Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
situation changes from one context to another. This merger can be designated as an assis-
tive solution (AAATE 2003).
It is part of the ICF model of functioning and disability that environmental factors such
as assistive technologies have the potential to reduce the impact of disability on a person's
performance in all areas of daily living, and so increase the individual's autonomy and
independence.
Within geriatric rehabilitation, assistive solutions may have the potential to enhance the
outcomes of interventions through the systematic application of technological devices that
meet the functional needs of people with cognitive and physical disabilities.
In this section, we will try to provide an overview of the areas where technological sys-
tems may offer support to the everyday life of the elderly and their caregivers. A recent
field research study focused on the needs that the elderly and their caregivers expressed
regarding the contribution of assistive technology to their everyday life and outlined four
main areas of support: a need for the management of dementia symptoms, a need for
social contacts to be maintained, a need for daily life activities, and a need for health moni-
toring and safety support (Lauriks et al. 2007).
The following section provides examples of commercially available and emerging
assistive technologies for elderly people aimed at compensating for deficiencies such as
memory and motor problems. A brief survey of socially assistive robotics systems is also
given. Their main function is aimed at rehabilitation and at enhancing elderly health and
psychological well-being.
13.5.1 Technological Devices for elderly People With Cognitive Impairments
Assistive technologies to compensate for cognitive and neuropsychological disabilities
take into account “cognitive prosthesis” or “cognitive orthosis” devices. Cognitive pros-
theses are computer-based systems that reduce the negative impact of disability on daily
functional activities (Cole 1999). When these systems are used for rehabilitation purposes,
it is necessary to design them with features that are highly customizable and easy to use.
In general, cognitive aids include wearable devices, computer systems, personal digital
assistants, and integrated sensory systems. They may improve the performance of elderly
people with cognitive impairments and dementia through reminders or assistance in the
execution of tasks (Gorman et al. 2003; Pollack et al. 2003; DeVaul 2004; Philipose et al.
2004; Mihailidis et al. 2008). Cognitive impairments are one of the reasons for medication
nonadherence and treatment failure (Muir et al. 2001).
For example, cognitive prospective memory aids are context-aware technological aids
that can help older people with cognitive disabilities to perform a programmed task
(reminder systems) or they may provide a set of instructions related to the procedural
guidance in activity execution (prompting systems). Reminder systems (e.g., electronic
organizers, voice recorders, software for computers, communication devices, and personal
digital assistants) are also very useful in case of difficulty in the management of medica-
tion therapy by older people. These devices can provide an alarm system, daily schedule
planning, and the temporary or permanent storage of information to monitor medication
use (McGarry Logue 2002).
The PEAT (Planning and Execution Assistant and Training) system is an example
of automatic planning software that operates on a personal digital assistant or mobile
phone. It provides personalized prompts to guide a person during the execution of a task
(Levinson 1997). The ISAAC Cognitive Prosthetic Assistive Technology system is a hand-
held cognitive prosthetic aid specifically designed for individuals who have a wide range
