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Assistive Technology: Cognition Products

Original Editors - Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu

Top Contributors - Ewa Jaraczewska, Jess Bell, Joseph Ayotunde Aderonmu, Naomi O'Reilly, Kim Jackson and Angeliki Chorti      

Introduction

Cognitive impairment resulting from conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and independence. Cognitive assistive technology, also called assistive technology for cognition (ATC), is a powerful tool to compensate for these issues, helping people maintain their autonomy while reducing caregiver burden.[1][2][3]

Benefits of Cognitive Assistive Technologies

Cognitive assistive technology includes any technology-based service or product that extends cognitive capacity. These tools support functional activities in natural environments, allowing individuals to participate in tasks they might otherwise struggle to complete independently.[4] [5]

When implemented correctly, cognitive assistive technology helps to improve autonomy, dignity, and participation. However, it's important that cognitive assistive technology is viewed as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, therapeutic interventions. Like mobility aids that allow participation while rehabilitation continues, cognitive supports enable individuals to maintain community engagement and independence during recovery or adaptation periods. However, a person's interest in using supportive technologies will vary "depending on their expectations and the perceived benefit of the technological devices."[6]

Target Populations

Cognitive assistive technology can benefit diverse populations, including those with temporary or permanent cognitive impairments. For instance, individuals with acquired brain injuries (e.g., stroke or traumatic brain injury) or those experiencing cognitive decline from progressive conditions (e.g., dementia) can gain or maintain independence with appropriate technological support. Similarly, people with mental health conditions that affect cognitive functioning, including depression and bipolar disorder, may benefit from organisational and memory supports that reduce daily burden and provide structure.[5][7]

Cognitive assistive technology can also be useful for individuals with neurodivergence (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)), as these technologies can compensate for processing differences and optimise functional abilities.[8]

Types of Cognitive Assistive Technologies

Memory and concentration difficulties affect 2.3% of individuals, and intellectual disabilities affect 1.5%. Assistive product unmet needs vary from 36.2% to 49.0% depending on the specific product.[9]

Low-Tech Solutions

Low-tech cognitive assistive technologies may be the most practical and accessible solutions for many people. These devices typically don't require electricity or complex setup procedures, making them ideal for resource-limited environments or for clients who prefer simpler solutions.[5]

Pill organisers are one of the most common low-tech interventions. They are available in daily, weekly, or monthly formats. These simple devices eliminate the need to remember complex medication schedules and provide visual confirmation that a pill has been taken.[10]

Similarly, graphic organisers, such as mind maps, charts, or flowcharts, can help a person structure their thinking and remember task sequences.[11] A morning routine chart with checkboxes, for instance, can guide someone through essential self-care activities using visual cues rather than relying solely on memory.

Timing devices, like egg and sand timers, provide structure for individuals with attention issues, helping them allocate appropriate time to tasks and reduce procrastination.[12]

Customised orientation boards can provide essential information about a person's location, the date, and specific details or circumstances. These boards are particularly valuable for people experiencing confusion or memory difficulties.[12]

Traditional organisational tools like diaries, calendars, notebooks, grocery lists, Post-it notes, and schedules are an important component of many successful cognitive support systems. These familiar formats support clients' existing skills while providing external structure for memory and planning functions.

Various dyslexia-friendly fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic) are widely used in clinical practice and are readily available on most computer systems. Many clinicians and individuals with dyslexia report subjective benefits from these fonts. However, it's important to note that empirical research does not consistently demonstrate positive impacts on reading performance from using these fonts.[13]

Pill box
Schedule
To-do list


High-Tech Solutions

High-tech cognitive assistive technologies offer sophisticated features, but user preference must be carefully considered. It's important to consider a person's technical skills and resource availability before selecting these solutions.

Smartwatches can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines, providing discreet reminders, medication alerts, and stress management prompts.[14][15]

Voice-activated artificial intelligence systems have become increasingly accessible, offering hands-free support for memory aids, scheduling, and information retrieval. These systems can remind users about medications, appointments, or tasks, as well as provide weather updates, confirm dates, and help with shopping lists. Their intuitive features often appeal to users who struggle with traditional interfaces.[16]

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT can assist with executive functioning tasks such as creating schedules and organising tasks when used appropriately.[12]

Reminder on Phone

Smartphone applications extend these capabilities further, with location-based reminders that trigger at relevant places rather than predetermined times.[16]

Speech-to-text functionality enables individuals with physical limitations to continue to write,[17] while word prediction software assists those with language difficulties or dyslexia.[18]

Smart pens and notebooks bridge the gap between traditional writing and digital documentation. This technology benefits individuals who have retained their writing skills but struggle with typing speed or accuracy. Specialised applications address specific cognitive challenges.[12]

Talking calculators support individuals with dyscalculia, while focus modes and screen magnifiers reduce distractions for those with attention difficulties.[16]

Voice recorders record audio information and store it in digital formats. They can be a useful memory aid and are beneficial for people who have difficulty taking written notes.

Memory aid
Personal digital assistant
Word prediction software
Voice recorder

Implementation Strategies

When prescribing cognitive assistive technology, the product must be carefully matched to the person's goals, needs and ability to use the technology.[19]

Client-centred goal setting ensures that the selected goals are relevant to the client.[12] Goals should be SMART (i.e., specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound).[12]

The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) is a useful framework as it examines how health conditions, physical abilities, daily activities, and environmental factors interact. This biopsychosocial approach ensures that prescribed technology actually fits the client's circumstances rather than addressing isolated needs.

Health conditions and body functions: consider whether the technology is appropriate for a person's diagnosis and physical abilities. For instance, devices requiring fine motor control may be unsuitable for people with tremors, while people with visual impairments may prefer devices with auditory interfaces. It's also important to note that a person's needs may change as their condition progresses.[20]

Activities and participation: the technology must align with the person's daily activities and participation goals.

Environmental factors: it's important to consider factors such as whether a person can easily charge a device, or if they can afford the ongoing costs. In low-resource settings, low-tech solutions may be more practical.

Implementation Challenges

Implementation challenges often stem from organisational and professional obstacles.[21] Patients also face multiple barriers when acquiring and using assistive technology, including device issues, personal circumstances, healthcare settings, and social factors. Addressing these challenges requires user-centred approaches that consider the person's experiences. Being able to adapt familiar technologies to a person's needs is also important. This can be achieved through a multi-level approach, focusing on greater user involvement, adapting technologies, and providing accessible information to increase awareness.[22]

Ongoing Support

Successful use of cognitive assistive technology requires ongoing support beyond the initial prescription. Healthcare professionals should regularly ask their clients to demonstrate how they use their prescribed technologies. This ongoing assessment provides insight into the person's technical competence, buy-in, and whether they have integrated the technology into daily routines.[7] Regular follow-up allows for troubleshooting and modification as needs evolve.[23][24]

If clients cannot explain or demonstrate how they use their assistive product, they may need additional training, caregiver education, or the technology itself might need to be modified. The goal of assistive technology should always focus on maintaining functional independence, rather than device ownership.[7]

Multidisciplinary collaboration and family education are important for successful cognitive assistive technology implementation. All members of the team can encourage technology use during therapy sessions, and family education ensures consistent support outside clinical settings.

Conclusion

Cognitive assistive technology can help people with cognitive impairments maintain independence and participation. Success depends on thoughtfully matching assistive technology products to a person's needs, preferences, and circumstances. The most sophisticated device provides no benefit if unused, whilst simple tools that align with user goals can transform daily functioning. As technology advances rapidly, rehabilitation professionals must focus on fundamental principles: client-centred care, holistic assessment, and implementation support.

Resources

  1. Technologies Designed to Assist Individuals with Cognitive Impairments
  2. Assistive Technologies in Dementia Care: An Updated Analysis of the Literature
  3. Global report on assistive technology

References 

  1. ↑ Szabó P, Ara J, Halmosi B, Sik-Lanyi C, Guzsvinecz T. Technologies Designed to Assist Individuals with Cognitive Impairments. Sustainability. 2023; 15(18):13490.
  2. ↑ Wilson DJ, Mitchell JM, Kemp BJ, Adkins RH, Mann W. Effects of assistive technology on functional decline in people ageing with a disability. Assist Technol. 2009 Nov 19;21(4):208-17.
  3. ↑ Todis B, Sohlberg MM, Hood D, Fickas S. Making electronic mail accessible: perspectives of people with acquired cognitive impairments, caregivers and professionals. Brain Inj. 2005 Jun;19(6):389-401.
  4. ↑ Spalla G, Yaddaden A, Kenfack Ngankam H, Gouin-Vallerand C, Bier N. Assistive technologies designed to support executive function impairments while promoting independence: A scoping review. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. 2024;11.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Bonanno M, Saracino B, Ciancarelli I, Panza G, Manuli A, Morone G, Calabrò RS. Assistive Technologies for Individuals with a Disability from a Neurological Condition: A Narrative Review on the Multimodal Integration. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Jul 1;13(13):1580.
  6. ↑ Begde A, Jain M, Goodwin M, Brayne C, Barnes L, Brooks R, Green E, Richardson C, Dening T, Wilcockson T, Hogervorst E. Exploring factors influencing willingness of older adults to use assistive technologies: evidence from the cognitive function and ageing study II. Information, Communication & Society. 2024 Jan 25;27(2):368-85.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Thordardottir B, Malmgren Fänge A, Lethin C, Rodriguez Gatta D, Chiatti C. Acceptance and use of innovative assistive technologies among people with cognitive impairment and their caregivers: a systematic review. BioMed Research International. 2019;2019(1):9196729.
  8. ↑ Hamid MS, Abo Hamza EG, Bedewy D, Elsiddig FM, AlShammari SA, Bakhiet SF, Mohamed NI. Impact of Digital Competencies and Assistive Technologies on Learning Outcomes for Students with Learning Disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review. In Frontiers in Education 2025 Aug 26 (Vol. 10, p. 1640556). Frontiers.
  9. ↑ Mishra S, Laplante-Levesque A, Barbareschi G, Witte LD, Abdi S, Spann A, Khasnabis C, Allen M. Assistive technology needs, access and coverage, and related barriers and facilitators in the WHO European region: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2024 Feb 17;19(2):474-85.
  10. ↑ Aly A, Bowles S, Sawan E. Assessing the feasibility of pillbox organisers for medication adherence among Egyptian adults with chronic diseases: a preliminary study. Futur J Pharm Sci 2025;11(103).
  11. ↑ Olszak I. Graphic and semantic organisers as cognitive strategies in reading instruction. Crossroads. A Journal of English Studies 2014;6(3):28-41
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Pelser A. Cognitive Assistive Technology. Plus Course 2025
  13. ↑ Wery JJ, Diliberto JA. The effect of a specialized dyslexia font, OpenDyslexic, on reading rate and accuracy. Ann Dyslexia. 2017 Jul;67(2):114-127.
  14. ↑ Bayen UJ, Dogangün A, Grundgeiger T, Haese A, Stockmanns G, Ziegler J. Evaluating the effectiveness of a memory aid system. Gerontology. 2013;59(1):77-84.
  15. ↑ Munzesheimer S, Siu TW, Yacinthe D, Garcia-Casals M, Haq IU, Shpiner DS. An Interdisciplinary Approach to Assistive Technology for Parkinson’s Disease Dementia. Clinical interventions in ageing. 2025 Dec 31:1253-65.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Assistive Technology For Cognitive Disabilities. Available from https://www.accessibility.com/blog/assistive-technology-for-cognitive-disabilities [last accessed 21.09.2025]
  17. ↑ Kambouri M, Simon H, Brooks G. Using speech-to-text technology to empower young writers with special educational needs. Res Dev Disabil. 2023 Apr;135:104466.
  18. ↑ Tam C, Wells D. Evaluating the benefits of displaying word prediction lists on a personal digital assistant at the keyboard level. Assist Technol. 2009 Fall;21(3):105-14.
  19. ↑ Czaja SJ, Boot WR, Charness N, Rogers WA. The use of technology to support cognitive diversity among older adults. The Gerontologist. 2025 Jul;65(7):gnaf114.
  20. ↑ Dirks S, Bühler C. Assistive technologies for people with cognitive impairments–which factors influence technology acceptance?. In: International Conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction 2018 Jun 5 (pp. 503-516). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
  21. ↑ Söderström S, Bakken H, Østby M, Ellingsen KE. How Implementation of Cognitive Assistive Technology in Home-Based Services for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Influences Support Staff`s Professional Practice. J Intellect Disabil. 2023 Jun;27(2):419-432.
  22. ↑ Howard J, Fisher Z, Kemp AH, Lindsay S, Tasker LH, Tree JJ. Exploring the barriers to using assistive technology for individuals with chronic conditions: a meta-synthesis review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2022 May;17(4):390-408.
  23. ↑ Saiel MF. Enhancing Social Inclusion of Elderly and Disabled Individuals Through Assistive Technology: A Multidisciplinary Approach. In Computer Vision and Internet of Everything (IoE) for Societal Needs 2025 (pp. 147-172). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
  24. ↑ Koh WQ, Heins P, Flynn A, Mahmoudi Asl A, Garcia L, Malinowsky C, Brorsson A. Bridging gaps in the design and implementation of socially assistive technologies for dementia care: The role of occupational therapy. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2024 Apr 2;19(3):595-603.
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