PiTaSu: wearable interface for assisting senior citizens with memory problems

Author(s):  
Goshiro Yamamoto ◽  
Tomohiro Kuroda ◽  
Daisuke Yoshitake ◽  
Seamus Hickey ◽  
Jaakko Hyry ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 639-639
Author(s):  
Karen Roberto ◽  
Brandy Renee McCann ◽  
Tina Savla ◽  
Emily Hoyt ◽  
Rosemary Blieszner ◽  
...  

Abstract Most family caregivers provide appropriate care and a supportive environment for their older relatives with dementia (PwD), yet the stress and strain associated with caregiving can trigger potentially harmful responses. Although much has been written about dealing with memory problems, researchers know less about how caregivers cope with difficult behaviors such as hallucinations, violent outbursts, or refusing food, medicine, or bathing. Interviews with 30 relatives providing care to community-dwelling PwD in rural Virginia revealed that caregivers typically used four behavior management strategies: reasoning with PwD; redirecting PwD’s attention; forceful actions, such as shouting at PwD; and withdrawing from interactions. Forceful management strategies and withdrawing from interactions were usually employed after reasoning and redirection failed to elicit desired behavior. Understanding whether caregivers’ expectations of PwD’s capacities are realistic, and why and when caregivers use various behavior management strategies, can help service providers develop appropriate educational interventions for frustrated caregivers.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S81-S81
Author(s):  
Kim Herbert ◽  
Elspeth Richardson ◽  
Adam Daly ◽  
Christine Carswell

AimsThis audit aimed to assess to what extent patients being referred for assessment of memory problems were receiving appropriate screening for reversible causes. We considered the blood tests recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).BackgroundResearch into ‘reversible dementias’ identified numerous common underlying causes. As a result of this NICE complied comprehensive guidance on investigations which should be performed in the initial stages of assessing patients with memory problems, ideally at a primary care level. These investigations are also crucial at the point of secondary care assessment in order to make a confident diagnosis.MethodDetails of patients referred by their GP to the Older Adult CMHT with memory problems over a one month period were collected. We then used the local laboratory database to note whether each of the eight recommended blood tests had been performed in the preceding 6 months. We measured this against an agreed standard of 95%.After the first cycle of data collection we prepared business-card sized ‘aide memoirs’ for GPs that could serve as a quick reminder. These were sent out to all GPs in the area along with a letter outlining the audit findings.ResultOverall 31 patients were included in the first cycle. 15 patients had all 8 dementia blood screens (48%), 13 (42%) had some of the recommended tests and 3 patients had no screening tests at all (10%). On average patients had 76.6% of the recommended bloods completed. The most commonly completed tests were Full Blood Count (FBC) and Urea & Electrolytes (U&Es), with blood Glucose being the most frequently omitted.In cycle 2, 20 patients were included. Of these patients, 10 had the full complement of screening bloods (50%); 8 had some tests completed (40%) and 2 patients had no screening tests complete (10%). On average 76% of tests were completed. There was an improvement in the rate of completion of both Glucose and Liver Function Tests from cycle1.ConclusionThis audit demonstrated that current practice does not meet the national standard in general. Our intervention produced a modest improvement in the proportion of patients who received a full complement of dementia screening tests, as well as increasing the rate of patients receiving a blood glucose as part of their screening. It would likely be beneficial to consider further intervention and a 3rd audit cycle in due course.


2019 ◽  
pp. 140349481989080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari S. Aaltonen ◽  
Lina H. Van Aerschot

Aims: Ageing in place has become a policy priority. Consequently, residential care has been reduced, and more older people with multiple care needs reside at home with the help of informal care and home care services. An increasing share of these people has memory disorders. We examined the extent to which memory problems, in addition to other individual characteristics, are associated with unmet care needs among community-dwelling older people. Methods: The study employed cross-sectional survey data from community-dwelling people aged 75+ collected in 2010 and 2015, analysed using binary logistic regression analysis. The study population consisted of people who had long-term illnesses or disabilities that limited their everyday activities ( N = 1928). Nine per cent reported substantial memory problems. Of these, 35.7% had a proxy respondent. Results: People with memory problems have more care needs than those with other types of disability or illness. They receive more care but still have more unmet needs than others. About a quarter of people with memory problems reported that they did not receive enough help. This result did not change significantly when the proxy responses were excluded. Even a combination of informal and formal home care was insufficient to meet their needs. Conclusions: Insufficient care for people with memory problems implies a serious demand for further development of home care services. The care needs of this population are often complex. Unmet needs represent a serious risk to the well-being of people with memory disorders, and may also create an extensive burden on their informal caregivers.


Brain Injury ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vessela Stamenova ◽  
Janine M. Jennings ◽  
Shaun P. Cook ◽  
Fuqiang Gao ◽  
Lisa A. S. Walker ◽  
...  

1985 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 76-78
Author(s):  
Carole Roberts

This article discusses the range of methods that are available to help patients with memory problems, including both external and internal strategies. Learning these strategies is difficult, so care must be taken in choosing a suitable method for each patient. Memory games can then be used to teach patients how to use the most effective strategy to improve memory function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 70-71
Author(s):  
Priscilla Doyle ◽  
Grace O’Sullivan ◽  
Niamh Gallagher ◽  
Siobhán Smyth ◽  
Dympna Casey

Background:In Ireland, approximately 65,000 people live with memory problems/dementia (PWMP). Most live in the community, supported by informal caregivers such as relatives. A comprehensive resilience-building psychosocial intervention (CREST) to strengthen intra- and interpersonal resources was piloted by PWMP and caregiver dyads, local GPs, and the community.Methodology:An advisory forum of PWMP, caregivers, and dementia advocacy representatives provided guidance on the intervention design and materials (e.g., interview guides), to ensure they addressed the needs of PWMP and caregivers. The 15-week CREST intervention comprised three components: cognitive stimulation therapy for PWMP (CST; 7 weeks), physical exercise for PWMP and partners from the community (8 weeks), and dementia education for key supporters of PWMP: caregivers (6 weeks), GPs, and the community (one-off events). Intervention processes (e.g., recruitment, data collection measures) were evaluated at each stage by PWMP and caregivers through qualitative (verbal feedback, interviews) and quantitative methods (ratings, questionnaires), to ensure they were feasible and acceptable.Findings:Nine PWMP/caregiver dyads were recruited and completed the CREST intervention; attendance was consistently high (90-95%) throughout. The dyads reported that the recruitment materials, phone calls, and letters from the research team were helpful and easy to understand. Feedback from PWMP, caregivers, event attendees, and programme facilitators confirmed that the intervention content and delivery were acceptable. Minor changes were recommended, and changes which facilitated participation by the PWMP during this pilot (e.g., giving verbal rather than written feedback, larger-print handouts) were implemented immediately. The PWMP enjoyed the CST activities (e.g., collages, tasting childhood sweets) and the “bit of fun” the group shared; some also perceived improvements in concentration and confidence. The PWMP enjoyed the group Exercise sessions, particularly the social aspects (e.g., “banter”, exercising with partners), and some reported improved fitness and feeling less breathless. Caregivers felt better informed about managing dementia and communicating with PWMP and enjoyed sharing experiences with other caregivers. Attendees at the community and GP education events reported improved knowledge of dementia.Conclusion:The involvement of the PWMP and caregivers was valuable to the iteration of the pilot CREST intervention. Consultations with both groups are ongoing to inform future research priorities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Manthorpe ◽  
Kritika Samsi ◽  
Louise Joly ◽  
Maureen Crane ◽  
Heather Gage ◽  
...  

Background Early or timely recognition of dementia is a key policy goal of the National Dementia Strategy. However, older people who are homeless are not considered in this policy and practice imperative, despite their high risk of developing dementia. Objectives and study design This 24-month study was designed to (1) determine the prevalence of memory problems among hostel-dwelling homeless older people and the extent to which staff are aware of these problems; (2) identify help and support received, current care and support pathways; (3) explore quality of life among older homeless people with memory problems; (4) investigate service costs for older homeless people with memory problems, compared with services costs for those without; and (5) identify unmet needs or gaps in services. Participants Following two literature reviews to help study development, we recruited eight hostels – four in London and four in North England. From these, we first interviewed 62 older homeless people, exploring current health, lifestyle and memory. Memory assessment was also conducted with these participants. Of these participants, 47 were included in the case study groups – 23 had ‘memory problems’, 17 had ‘no memory problems’ and 7 were ‘borderline’. We interviewed 43 hostel staff who were participants’ key workers. We went back 3 and 6 months later to ask further about residents’ support, service costs and any unmet needs. Findings Overall, the general system of memory assessment for this group was found to be difficult to access and not patient-centred. Older people living in hostels are likely to have several long-term conditions including mental health needs, which remain largely unacknowledged. Participants frequently reported experiences of declining abilities and hostel staff were often undertaking substantial care for residents. Limitations The hostels that were accessed were mainly in urban areas, and the needs of homeless people in rural areas were not specifically captured. For many residents, we were unable to access NHS data. Many hostel staff referred to this study as ‘dementia’ focused when introducing it to residents, which may have deterred recruitment. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, no other study and no policy acknowledges hostels as ‘dementia communities’ or questions the appropriateness of hostel accommodation for people with dementia. Given the declining number of hostels in England, the limits of NHS engagement with this sector and growing homelessness, this group of people with dementia are under-recognised and excluded from other initiatives. Future work A longitudinal study could follow hostel dwellers and outcomes. Ways of improving clinical assessment, record-keeping and treatment could be investigated. A dementia diagnosis could trigger sustained care co-ordination for this vulnerable group. Funding The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document