Supporting Simple Activity Engagement in Persons With Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’s Disease Through a Technology-Aided Program

• Published in: American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 137 - 144
• Main Authors: Lancioni, Giulio E., Singh, Nirbhay N., O’Reilly, Mark F., Sigafoos, Jeff, D’Amico, Fiora, Pinto, Katia, Chiapparino, Claudia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-05-2017
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease - rehabilitation; Current Topics in Research; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Occupational Therapy - methods; Severity of Illness Index; Therapy, Computer-Assisted - methods; Treatment Outcome; reminders; technology; Alzheimer’s disease; activity; contingent stimulation
• ISSN: 1533-3175; 1938-2731
• DOI: 10.1177/1533317517698793

Objectives:
These 2 studies assessed a technology-aided program to support mild physical exercise or simple occupational activity in participants with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Methods:
Study 1 included 11 participants who were to perform a leg-raising response. Study 2 included 10 participants who were to sort objects into different containers. The program ensured that they received positive stimulation contingent on the responses and reminders/prompts after periods of nonresponding. Each study was carried out according to a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across participants.
Results:
The program was successful in supporting mild physical exercise and activity with objects in the 2 groups of participants, respectively. The participants also showed signs of positive involvement (eg, smiles and verbalizations) during the sessions. Moreover, staff personnel rated the program and its impact positively.
Conclusion:
The program may be considered a practical resource for supporting positive engagement in persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.