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Authors:
Andrea Caroppo
Alessandro Leone
Pietro Siciliano
Daniele Sancarlo
Grazia D'onofrio
Antonio Greco
Keywords: Cognitive Stimulation; Alzheimer’s Disease; ICT Platform; Quality of Life
Abstract:
Cognitive impairments, such as memory problems or other thinking problems, are a defining feature of the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Cognitive Stimulation (CS) is a relatively new approach to improve well-being for people with mild to moderate AD. At present only preliminary evidence regarding efficacy is available but it is enough to suggest that this CS has the potential to bring about changes in behavior and maintain involvement in daily life. The main contribution of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of CS in AD patients using an information and communication technologies (ICT) platform, implemented through a customized Virtual Personal Trainer (VPT) that can allow the patients to perform the CS practice directly at home. The whole system is made up of an embedded PC connected to a TV monitor with internet connection, a low-cost 3d sensor and an optional e-shirt with textile electrodes for clinical signs detection. Moreover, the system provides an audio/visual link with the medical center, so the physician can interact with the patient during the rehabilitation practice, increasing the compliance and the efficacy and making sure that type and intensity of treatment are appropriate. Results obtained after the experimentation stages demonstrates that the use of the aforementioned ICT platform can improve the cognitive and neuropsychiatric state of the patient and its quality of life, confirming that CS could be represent an attractive option in the support of caregivers and patients affected of AD.
Pages: 230 to 235
Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2016
Publication date: April 24, 2016
Published in: conference
ISSN: 2308-4359
ISBN: 978-1-61208-470-1
Location: Venice, Italy
Dates: from April 24, 2016 to April 28, 2016