Article

The purposes of this study was to examine the possibilities of a
home-based electronic memory aid with sensors for persons with memory
impairments, as support to carry out everyday activities in their own home
environments. METHOD: The method involved a single-subject study with a multiple
baseline AB design. Five participants identified three activities each that they
usually forget to carry out. An electronic memory aid with individually spoken
reminders was installed in the participant's home. There were automatic computer
registrations of completed activities during the study phase of 12 weeks.
Assessments of functioning and quality of life (QoL) were conducted before and
after the intervention and at follow-up after 2 months. RESULTS: Four
participants improved in completing most of the self-chosen activities when the
electronic memory aid was used. Performance and satisfaction with performance and
QoL improved, but there was no memory function improvement. There were technical
problems with the aid, which had a negative effect for users. CONCLUSIONS:
Electronic memory aids have a large potential for supporting persons with
cognitive impairments. It is important to conduct follow-up afterwards, because
the use of an aid and the need of support change over time and put high demands
on technical reliability of the electronic memory aid.

Langue : ANGLAIS