Assistive Technology for Cognitive Impairment

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Assistive Technology for Cognitive Impairment

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• Jyh-Jong Chang
• Email jjchang_at_kmu.edu.tw
• Office CS505
• Tel 2644
• Webpage http//app.rm.kmu.edu.tw/chang/

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Cognitive Function

• It refers to an information processing view of an
  individual's psychological functions
• memory, attention, perception, problem solving
  and mental imagery

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Patients With Cognitive Impairment

• Brain Injuries
• Dementia
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• ADHD

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Impairments Relating to Brain Functions

• Impairments Related to Perception
• Difficulty understanding speech (receptive
  aphasia)
• This condition prevents the person from being
  able to understand words that are spoken
• Impairments Related to Expression
• Difficulty producing speech (expressive aphasia)
• Changes in behavioral speech
• reduced control of behavior to fit social norms

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• Impairments Related to Memory
• Short term and long term memory deficits
• Procedural memory lost can affect a persons
  ability to learn new manual tasks such as tying
  shoes
• Impairments Related to Processing
• Poor executive functions time management,
  organization and judgment
• Emotional and behavioral changes
• Attention and staying on tasks capacity may be
  diminished

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AT for Impairments Related to Memory

• Using multiple approaches to input can have a
  beneficial effect
• It might help to provide documentation in more
  than one format--visual, auditory and tactile
• Medication reminders, watch timers and telephone
  dialers all represent simple electronic
  accommodations that represent conveniences for
  the general population yet significant
  accommodations for those with memory deficits.

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AT for Impairments Related to Processing
(Attention to detail, executive functioning,
visual auditory functioning, dementia)

• The goal is to provide supports that can reduce
  disorganization and frustration
• Computer-related accommodations include spell
  checker and grammar checker software
• Using email for communication, rather than the
  telephone, can offer better understanding and
  documentation for later reference

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AT for Cognitive impairment

• http//www.tricare.mil/cap/acc_sol/Technology.cfm?
  TECHID2

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AT for Dementia

• Sensors
• Floods - These detectors can be fitted on
  skirting boards or floors in the kitchen and
  bathroom. If the taps have been left running they
  shut off the water and raise the alarm. 
• Falls - Sensors worn on the wrist can detect the
  impact of a person falling.
• Gas - If someone forgets to turn the gas off,
  this device will automatically shut off the gas
  and raise the alarm.

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• Getting up in the night - A pressure mat
  sensor is placed by the bed and a sensor
  activates an alarm when the person gets up in the
  night, so that their carer can help them get to
  the toilet

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Memory aids

• Reminder messages
• When a person enters or leaves their home, these
  gadgets activate a voice telling them to pick up
  their keys or lock the front door etc.
• Clocks and calendars
• Clocks that show whether it is evening or morning
  can help prevent disorientation, particularly in
  the dark winter months.
• Medication aids

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• Locator devices
• These devices can be attached with a keyring or
  Velcro to items that are often mislaid.
• If a person wants to find a particular item, they
  press a colour-coded button on a radio
  transmitter and the device with the corresponding
  colour will beep until the item is picked up.