Memory Box: A Personalised Multimedia Device for Individuals with Dementia

A significant percentage of those aged 65 and over live with a group of disorders known collectively as dementia, an irreversible and progressive decline in cognitivefunction beyond that expected from normal ageing. In 2013, 44 million people worldwide were affected, and this figure is projected to reach 135 million by the year 2050. However, due to busy schedules, caregivers are unable to provide everyone in their charge with as much personal attention as they would like. This reduction in stimulation and social contact can result in monotony and concomitant boredom, loneliness, agitation and even aggression. This paper provides information on the progress and process of research conducted between 2011 and early 2014, directed at developing 'Memory Box'; a personalised multimedia device, which can be used independently by individuals with dementia, to access their favourite music, videos, photographs and pre-recorded messages from family members.

[1]  D. O'Connor,et al.  A comparison of two treatments of agitated behavior in nursing home residents with dementia: simulated family presence and preferred music. , 2007, The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

[2]  M E Clark,et al.  Use of music to decrease aggressive behaviors in people with dementia. , 1998, Journal of gerontological nursing.

[3]  L. Gustafson,et al.  What is dementia? , 1996, Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Supplementum.

[4]  J. Cohen-Mansfield,et al.  Management of verbally disruptive behaviors in nursing home residents. , 1997, The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences.

[5]  J. O'Brien,et al.  Dementia: Management of behavioural and psychological symptoms , 2003 .

[6]  J. O'Brien,et al.  Prevalence and pharmacological management of behavioural and psychological symptoms amongst dementia sufferers living in care environments , 2001, International journal of geriatric psychiatry.

[7]  C. Fairburn,et al.  Do neuroleptic drugs hasten cognitive decline in dementia? Prospective study with necropsy follow up , 1997, BMJ.

[8]  Theresa Alexander,et al.  The Effects of Music on Bathing Cooperation for Residents with Dementia , 1997 .

[9]  B. Reiss,et al.  Problems Reported by Relatives in a Community Study of Dementia , 1990, British Journal of Psychiatry.

[10]  R. Schulz,et al.  A 2-year longitudinal study of depression among Alzheimer's caregivers. , 1991, Psychology and aging.

[11]  C. Hatton,et al.  Emotional and behavioural responses to music in people with dementia: an observational study , 2004, Aging & mental health.

[12]  A. Kurz,et al.  Predictors of nursing home placement in patients with alzheimer's disease , 1993 .

[13]  G. Mcnicoll.  World Population Ageing 1950-2050. , 2002 .

[14]  L. Gerdner,et al.  Effects of Individualized Versus Classical “Relaxation” Music on the Frequency of Agitation in Elderly Persons With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders , 2000, International Psychogeriatrics.

[15]  J. O’Brien,et al.  Treating behavioural and psychological signs in Alzheimer's disease , 1999, BMJ.

[16]  Norman Alm,et al.  Designing an interface usable by people with dementia , 2002 .