Relationship between cognitive functioning and everyday technology use: An exploratory cross-sectional study in older adults with cognitive impairments

Background Cognitive impairments may interfere with everyday technology (ET) use, yet which specific domains of cognitive functioning are relevant for using ETs remains understudied. Objective To explore the relationship between cognitive functioning and the perceived ability and relevance of using ET in people with cognitive impairments. Methods Cross-sectional study involving n = 51 people with cognitive impairments (61% female; mean age 70.9). Participants completed 17 neuropsychological tests assessing processing speed, language, motor performance, perception, memory, and executive function. The Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire (S-ETUQ) captured perceived ability and relevance of ET use. S-ETUQ data were processed using a Rasch model. A Spearman’s rho correlation matrix and an interaction regression model were performed. Results Significant correlations were found between the perceived ability to use ET and executive function and language performance (Regression model: F(6,41) = 6.44, p < .001, R 2 = .49), and relevance to use ET and visual memory performance (Spearman’s rho: Rey complex figure immediate (r s (51) = .29, p < .05), delayed recall (r s (49) = .32, p < .05). Conclusions Findings highlight that certain domains of cognitive functioning may be linked to ET use in people with cognitive impairments, yet evidence remains limited. To understand a person’s level of functioning, healthcare professionals should combine neuropsychological tests also with self-reports and observations, especially when aiming to capture ET use and relevance, comprehensively.