Artificial Intelligence–Powered Support for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review (Preprint)

Abstract

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> AI has emerged as a promising technology in healthcare, offering potential benefits in assessment, diagnosis, drug discovery and clinical trial for various diseases. Dementia, an incurable condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline, remains a major neurodegenerative disorder with no effective treatment to slow its progression. This systematic review evaluates AI-based interventions in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with MCI or dementia. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the existing evidence and suggestions on the effectiveness and usefulness of AI-powered applications in healthcare for supporting individuals with MCI or dementia, as well as their formal and informal caregivers. While mild cognitive impairment does not meet the criteria for dementia, it involves measurable cognitive decline. In this review, we consider outcomes in the domains of physical functioning, cognitive support, and psychological/behavioral well-being as indicators of quality of life. Based on our findings, our aim is to identify gaps in the current literature and outline future research directions for developers, healthcare providers, and decision makers. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. We searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Engineering Village, ACM Digital Library, and Medline, without restrictions on language or time. The eligibility criteria were defined using the PICOS framework and data extraction was performed using a standardized form. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> From 10,514 records, 120 studies were included. Findings indicate that AI-powered technologies have been implemented to provide cognitive, physical, and psychological well-being support. While AI-driven interventions have demonstrated potential benefits in improving the quality of life, challenges remain regarding accessibility, data privacy, bias in AI training datasets, and the need for inclusive design. Additionally, generative AI applications in dementia care are still in early development stages, with limited research on their long-term impact and real-world effectiveness. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> This review shows that AI-based technologies hold promise for improving quality of life in people with MCI and dementia by supporting cognitive, physical, and emotional needs. AI can assist patients and caregivers through monitoring, memory aids, and social interaction tools, but further validation is required to ensure reliability and long-term effectiveness in healthcare. Future research should prioritize agentic, context-aware systems and interdisciplinary collaboration to support intention formation and memory. </sec>

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