The Dementia Caregiver's Toolbox

Comfort Zone Technology Launched By Alzheimer's Association

As a member of two committees at my local Alzheimer's Association chapter, I was so pleased to hear about the collaboration between the Alzheimer's Association and Omnilink to launch a special product called Comfort Zone.  This unique product is something that dementia caregivers everywhere have been waiting for.

Dementia & PET Scans: 5 Facts

Today we have a guest post from Kat Sanders from the MRI Tech Health Blog.  She gives us some valuable info on PET scans and how they may be helpful in dementia.  Read on.....

Model Home Helps With Dementia Independence

A new model home, specifically designed for use by persons with dementia, was recently established in Japan to showcase new technologies that support independence.

Dementia Early Detection Device

Mild Cognitive Impairment or MCI, is often noted as an early stage of dementia.  Early detection and diagnosis of MCI or dementia is needed to increase quality of life.

The Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University have devised an easy test that can be administered yearly to check for reaction time and memory functions.  The researchers named the test "DETECT".

Dementia Safety: Electronic Tagging

There is a new topic that seems to be polarizing dementia caregivers and it is the idea of using "electronic tagging" as a safety device for persons with dementia. 

New Dementia Camera?

Have you heard of the new Microsoft SenseCam?  It is a special digital camera that is thought to be of help to those with dementia.

Dementia Plus Activities Equals Wii

I'm sure by now you have heard of "Wii", the new interactive way to play games such as tennis.  The premise is simple:  using a sophisticated attachment on the body, a person simulates movements in a sport or other activity and the TV screen displays the results.

If you are using the tennis module, you use your hand to simulate the action of the racket against an imaginary ball.  The computer shows how your arm motion actually worked in a game format. The Wii commercials are everywhere with the holidays upon us so you'll be certain to see an example of how it works if you haven't already. 

How Dementia Caregivers Deal With Repetitive Questions- Part III

I heard about a newly designed, high-tech way to help persons with dementia cope with ongoing needs, such as seeking information (repetitive questions) or just daily functioning called Mind Scout.

Although not available yet and certainly quite expensive, Mind Scout

Dementia Symptoms Eased By Multi-Sensory Environment - Part II

Now that you have an idea of what a multi-sensory environment is, how do you go about putting together such an area?  All you need is a small space, comfortable seating or reclining area and some props.

Dementia Caregivers Have Technology Assistance

Britain is leading the way with some exciting new technology research that should help dementia caregivers.

The first locator system, called the SOS (trademarked system), was developed by Blue Tree Services and was just released into the UK marketplace.  The SOS system uses an alarm that is worn by a person with dementia.  This alarm allows a caregiver to monitor the person's location by using an individual mapping system.  The system is internet based and can help watch one or more people who are in motion.  These smart alarms also let the caretaker know if the alarm system is not being worn or has been left somewhere.  Mike Smuts, the Managing Director of Blue Tree Services, feels that this product, "...can give freedom back to individuals without compromising their safety".  For more information and availability for medical applications, visit www.bluetreeservices.co.uk.

Imagine a person with dementia having limited caregiving needs because his house "speaks" to him.  That's the exciting news from a joint venture between the Bristol City Council's Adult Community Care Service, Dementia Voice and Housing 21.  The technology was actually developed by the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) at the University of Bath.  The goal of the project was to find ways to help people adjust to living back alone in their homes after a spell in the hospital and to try to prevent re-hospitalizations.  Special sensors installed in the pilot homes respond to the behaviors of the occupants by giving simple voice prompts, recorded by familiar family members.  For instance, if a person was noted to be moving around at night, voice prompts would direct him gently back to bed.  Lights might go on in response to getting out of bed and faucets would shut off after a period of time.   A good summary of the whole project can be found at http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Eldercare/7-01-24-NewTechnology.html