Telemedicine and telehealth can be effective tools to help people living with dementia as well as their caregivers, a new WHO study reports. A review of evidence led by WHO/Europe and a group of international universities examined how embedding digital health technologies within age-friendly environments and community support systems can reduce depression and anxiety and alleviate feelings of social isolation and loneliness, leading to better outcomes for patients and caregivers.
Telemedicine works best when combined with strong community support – from outreach in rural areas to local social participation initiatives. Such approaches not only improve access to care but also strengthen inclusion, ensuring people with dementia remain active members of their communities.
“Technology, when used with compassion, and with the right policies in place, can connect people (including patients to their caregivers), ease loneliness, and bring hope to people living with dementia and their families,” said Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Health Systems at WHO/Europe and a co-author of the study. “It is not just a health tool. It is a call for governments and digital health providers to act, ensuring that no one is left isolated in the digital age.”
A new opportunity for dementia care
Traditionally, dementia care has been delivered primarily through in-person consultations. However, providing such care has its challenges, particularly in rural communities where access to specialized services is limited. Digital health technologies present new opportunities for dementia care. These range from medication reminders to sophisticated AI systems designed to predict and prevent accidents and enhance the quality and accessibility of care.
The study drew on nearly 100 reviews and close to 3000 records, offering practical insights for clinicians, researchers, policy-makers and caregivers. However, the quality of evidence varies, underscoring the need for further research to guide effective implementation of digital tools in dementia care.
“People across the WHO European Region are living longer, which is great news, but it also requires us to prepare our health and care systems to better respond to dementia and support older populations,” said Dr Yongjie Yon, Technical Officer for Ageing and Health at WHO/Europe. “Digital technologies are not only helping older people manage symptoms but also enabling them to be an active part of their communities. This is essential for maintaining dignity and independence.”
Inclusive approaches
The European Region’s population is ageing fast. The number of people in the Region aged 60 and older is projected to reach 247 million by 2030, and over 300 million by 2050. The number of people aged 80 and over, who are most likely to need support, is expected to more than double by 2050. This will require health and care systems to adjust, as longer lives may bring increased support needs, including care for conditions like dementia.
Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases. Dementia is the 7th leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally, with women being disproportionately affected, directly and indirectly.
To be effective, digital health tools must be embedded in age-friendly environments with strong community support, which is central to the forthcoming WHO European Strategy on Ageing is Living: Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Well-being (2026–2030) and the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. Advancing these solutions is aligned with the goals of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, which calls for more inclusive approaches to support the well-being of older people worldwide.
Improving independence, safety and social connections
Digital technologies in dementia care can ease depression and anxiety in patients, improve mental and cognitive health, and also support caregivers by reducing stress and protecting their well-being.
At the same time, the study also found some challenges. Fatigue and frustration were occasionally reported as negative effects of virtual assessments, particularly among older users or caregivers less familiar with digital tools. This underscores the importance of addressing usability and accessibility to ensure that digital solutions deliver equitable benefits in dementia care.
“While digital tools like telehealth cannot cure dementia, we know that they can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers,” said Dr David Novillo Ortiz, Regional Adviser for Data, Evidence and Digital Health at WHO/Europe and a co-author of the study. “We also know that even small improvements in mental health and social connection can slow decline and reduce dependence, and this is why WHO/Europe is committed to helping countries make these tools accessible and available to everyone who can benefit from them.”
The study also found how telemedicine can help improve quality of life for people with dementia, their families and health-care providers by reducing stress, travel and care burdens while promoting independence and social connection. Remote tools also showed strong results in safety and symptom management, cutting indoor falls by up to 63% and easing behavioural and psychological challenges.
The Regional Digital Health Action Plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030 aims to identify solutions that are patient centred and can be scaled up at country or regional level to help shape public health and health systems in the digital era.
The full title of the study is “An overview of reviews on telemedicine and telehealth in dementia care: evidence across clinical, psychological, behavioral, social, and economic domains. Applicability of telemedicine in dementia care”.