Many older adults rely on smart phones, computers and tablets in their daily lives, and at some point, using this technology could become a struggle. They may no longer remember how to use their cellphone or how to log into their online accounts.
If you see this happening to parents, grandparents or other loved ones, you may wonder if you should take away their troublesome technology, much like you’d take away car keys from elderly drivers who can no longer safely operate a vehicle.
Could struggles with technology be early signs of dementia or other cognitive issues?
Yes. During every visit in our Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we explore these issues with the patient. We want to assess their ability to use technology via computer, tablet, cellphone, TV remote and appliances.
Often, our patients tell us that when they struggle to use their cellphones or computers, they just do less and less of it. They lose confidence and stop using the technology.
This can become more of a challenge for their caregivers, who must do even more for their loved one, such as dialing their phone, looking up information on the internet or changing TV channels.
What are some other signs that a person with dementia needs help with technology?
- They think something is wrong with the technology when the issue is their inability to problem solve or recall how to use the technology.
- They start confusing emails and text messages.
- They have problems recalling their passwords.
- They are thrown off when an upgrade causes a technology to work a bit differently, and they cannot problem solve how to adjust.
Do patients with dementia disorders have a greater chance of being scammed via technology?
For most patients who develop Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body, frontotemporal or vascular dementia, being scammed is increasingly more common.
Early in the course of the illness, these patients are at definite risk of being scammed via technology because they’re not as suspicious as they should be of scams.
As their cognitive issues worsen, they’re more likely to be scammed by telephone because they can’t remember how to use digital technology as well, lose confidence and stop using it unless supervised. They also likely don’t know where they put their account numbers or credit card numbers or how to correctly fill out forms online.
Patients with frontotemporal dementia are disinhibited and have very poor judgment, and if they’re still able to understand technology, they’re at the greatest risk of falling prey to scammers.
What are some techniques to help older people struggling with technology?
- For each technology, write out steps that the individual with cognitive impairment can follow so they don’t have to remember them on their own.
- Sit with the person to do the task together to provide some feeling of partial independence.
- Simplify the technology. For example, buy a landline phone that can be pre-programmed to call family or friends with the press of one button, instead of having to remember each phone number. Some of these phones also have larger numbers, which are easier for seniors to use.
- Help them with their passwords. If passwords are needed and there’s little chance that others will access them, make a list for them and place it somewhere they can remember to find it.
- Use white boards to remind individuals with cognitive impairment they’re not to use the stove or other appliances. Turn off or unplug the appliance, if needed.
- When necessary, take over tasks that require them to use the internet. For example, you can pay their bills if it’s too confusing for them to do it online. This will reduce frustration. They can still be engaged by providing the caregiver with a list of what needs to be done, instead of doing it online themselves.
- Change their email addresses. This way, businesses and other email contacts you don’t want them to see are no longer soliciting them.
- Limit access to their funds. If it’s legal and allowable, place limits or block their access to sending or taking out money. Drop credit cards, or use debit cards with spending limits.
How can the SAGE Test help?
The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) is designed to detect early signs of cognitive, memory or thinking impairments. Developed by researchers at Ohio State, it evaluates your thinking abilities and helps physicians to know how well your brain is working.
It’s a simple, free, online test that you can take if you’re concerned you might have cognitive issues. Or you may wish to have your family or friends take the test if they’re having memory or thinking problems.
While dementia or Alzheimer's disease can cause these cognitive problems, there are many other treatable disorders that also may cause cognitive impairment.
The test doesn’t diagnose any specific condition, but the results can help your doctor know if further evaluation is necessary.
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