Work

Feasibility of providing computer activities for nursing home residents with dementia.

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Nursing home residents with dementia need cognitively stimulating and enjoyable activities, and computer technology offers them a means of engaging in such activities. This study therefore examined the feasibility of providing a 12-week computer activity program (CAP) for nursing homes residents with dementia. METHODS: Fourteen participants completed the CAP, and 462 observational logs of CAP sessions were analyzed. RESULTS: On average, participants completed 33 sessions amounting to 936.5 minutes over 12 weeks. Participants with mild and moderate dementia preferred playing a cognitively challenging game such as solitaire, while those with severe dementia enjoyed watching slideshows with music. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that it is important to match computer activities to interests and cognitive ability in order to increase participation and satisfaction of NH residents with dementia.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Sunghee H Tak, Cornelia Beck, Song Hee Hong

Institutions: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Center for Research Resources

Awards: UAMS Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Arkansas Center for Clinical and Translational Research