Authors: Norman Alm¹; Arlene Astell²; Maggie Ellis²; Richard Dye¹; Gary Gowans³; Jim Campbell³

Source: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Volume 14, Numbers 1-2, Numbers 1-2/March-May 2004 , pp. 117-134(18)

Publisher: Psychology Press, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

Computers may have the potential to augment human cognitive processes in ways that could be beneficial for people with dementia. This possibility is being investigated by a multidisciplinary team. Previous work on improving the performance of augmentative communication systems for non-speaking people has shown the value of conversation modelling and prompting in this setting. The impairment of short-term memory with dementia causes serious difficulties in communication. A conversation support and prompting system is being developed based on an interactive multimedia reminiscence presentation. Reminiscence has been chosen as a basis for the conversations because long-term memories can remain relatively intact with dementia, even where short-term memory is ineffective. Initial trials of the system involving people with dementia and their carers have shown that such a system can maintain the interest and active participation of a person with dementia, and increase carers' enjoyment of the interaction. Further work will focus on directing the impact of multimedia towards increasing the quantity and quality of the communication taking place.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09602010343000147

Affiliations: 1: Division of Applied Computing University of Dundee Dundee Scotland 2: School of Psychology University of St Andrews Scotland Scotland 3: Department of Computer-Aided Design, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design University of Dundee Dundee Scotland

Publication date: 2004-03-01

More about this publication?

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Neurology & Psychiatry
• By this author: Norman Alm ;  Arlene Astell ;  Maggie Ellis ;  Richard Dye ;  Gary Gowans ;  Jim Campbell

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers