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Background The aim of this scoping review was to identify the range, extent and nature of research around the use of touchscreen tablets by people with dementia in their home environment, particularly in regards to its use as a means of supporting participation in meaningful and socially connected activity. Methods A review of both peer-reviewed and grey literature was undertaken across 61 databases, along with reference list checking for articles published between 2010 and 2016. Results Twelve articles were included in this review, predominantly from Western European cultures and community-based home environments. The studies were exploratory in nature, with the majority focusing on the development of applications for people with dementia. Conclusions The study identified a range of exploratory research related to the use of touchscreen tablets by people with dementia. However, there were significant gaps within this evidence base, which provide opportunities for further research using more robust methodologies. Given the ubiquitous nature of touchscreen tablets in modern communities, further research could facilitate their use as a minimally stigmatizing and culturally appropriate form of support for people with dementia.

Conducted within the hospice setting, this unique study assessed the prevalence of altered taste perception and its potential relationship with nutritional status in a group of 56 advanced cancer patients who had not received any recent radiotherapy or chemotherapy, compared to 46 age matched healthy controls. An assessment was made of the impact of altered taste perception on quality of life in this group of cancer patients. Taste perception was objectively measured using the International standard for sensory appraisal (lSOI991) and nutritional status assessed using upper arm anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, weight and hand grip dynanometry. A 3-day weighed intake technique was used to estimate dietary intake, and quality of life assessment was based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (Zigmund and Snaith, 1983). Results indicate that cancer patients exhibited lower 'bitter' thresholds (increase bitter taste sensitivity) compared to age matched controls an effect which was not related to tumour type. Results of this study also highlight the impact that changes in taste perception have on quality of life, which is pivotal in the appropriate management of altered taste perception in palliative care. Heightened olfactory perception was also evident in cancer patients exhibiting heightened gustatory perception. Biochemical analysis suggests that Tumour Necrosis Factor a and associated acute phase response may be associated with increased bitter taste sensitivity. Within the cancer group, heightened bitter perception was associated with a reduced protein intake. These results have demonstrated that in a terminally ill group, dietary management should focus on altered taste perception, aiming to maximise quality of life. Based on these results, a 4-week intervention was undertaken using omega 3 fatty acid (fish oil capsules) in a subsequent group of advanced cancer patients, aimed at manipulating the acute phase response and TNFα production. This demonstrated no changes in taste perception. However, the intervention was associated with attenuation of weight loss and an alteration in fatty acid composition of lipid membrane. These preliminary results suggest the value of further studies to investigate the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on taste perception and other associated symptoms in cancer patients. Moreover, the challenges to recruitment and retention of patient in studies in the terminally ill are highlighted.