Effectiveness of using assistive technology for time orientation and memory, in older adults with or without dementia

Abstract

Aims

The purposes of this study were to reveal the effectiveness of an electric calendar, showing the date and schedule automatically for older people, and to prove the characteristics of appropriate users.

Material and Methods

The participants were 27 older adults with or without dementia (9 men and 18 women, mean age: 81.5 ± 6.9 years, range: 72–94 years). The study design was a cross-over randomized controlled trial, with 15 participants (55.6%) allocated to the first group to use the electric calendar, and 12 participants (44.4%) to the second intervention group. The outcome measures are daily behaviors and cognitive function assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination.

Results

Participants showed significant increase in total Mini-Mental State Examination score (p = 0.020, a paired t-test) after intervention period, whereas there was no significant difference after no intervention. Daily activities related healthcare were improved. The participants with positive outcomes showed higher motivations, and around 18 points in Mini-Mental State Examination. Most healthy older adults mentioned that electric calendars were useful, but unnecessary.

Conclusion and Significance

Using the electric calendar was effective in improving global cognitive function and daily activities. The target users are older people, who (1) might have mild dementia, (2) have difficulties in daily activities, (3) can be supported by caregivers, and (4) have positive motivation to new technologies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• An electric calendar is effective on grovel cognitive function, and activities of daily living related to healthcare in older adults, as well as reality orientation therapy.

• The electric calendar can be useful for older people with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment, having difficulties activities of daily living, supported by caregivers at regular intervals.

Keywords:

• Older adults
• dementia
• time disorientation
• assistive technology

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to all 27 older adults participating in this study and supporting staffs in Nishiarai Day Care Center and Toshima-ku.

Disclosure statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science; Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Startup [25882053]. The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article and its supplementary materials.