Abstract
IntroductionDemographic changes highlight the need to address disabilities associated with the major morbidities of old age such as dementia. MethodsThe present research project focuses on assisting persons with early Alzheimer’s disease in the area of memory support through the delivery of frequent memory cues. Specifically, we are developing an entirely novel system to permit caregivers to record video reminders for scheduled transmission over-the-air. The reminders will be delivered in the form of a video message and will be displayed on a mobile phone to provide a ‘virtual carer’ for the person with dementia. Following initial technical development the system was piloted via 2 control groups. Following completion of the analysis from this cohort a further pilot will be undertaken with a cohort of 20 patients with Alzheimer’s disease recruited from the Belfast City Hospital Memory clinic.ResultsInitially the system was demonstrated to 3 young controls that subsequently navigated the programme and recorded reminders Feedback was favourable. The system was user friendly but message volume was poor and the weight of the device a possible drawback. The second control group (2 sets of older participants); gave positive feedback. Audio volume of the delivered messages was reported as an issue, however, weight was not a concern more so that the device ‘swung’ around when worn a lanyard. Finally the system was piloted with 4 person with Alzheimer’s disease and their carers. The results are presented herein.ConclusionInitial feedback of the system has been positive. Overall it was found simple to use and navigate. Further field testing is required to validate technical functionality and demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach as a reminding tool.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Unknown Host Publication |
Publisher | World Psychiatric Association |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 4 Apr 2010 |
Event | International Congress of the World Psychiatric Association - Florence, Italy Duration: 4 Apr 2010 → … |
Conference
Conference | International Congress of the World Psychiatric Association |
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Period | 4/04/10 → … |