For those suffering from dementia, interacting with caregivers and loved ones can be frustrating and one-sided. With this in mind, researchers in Scotland have developed CIRCA, the Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid. It’s a touch-screen movie player that engages the patient, prompting them to talk about old memories and past experiences:
During development, CIRCA was tested on 40 dementia sufferers in daycare, nursing home and family situations. The results were very encouraging, with many carers reporting that sufferers seemed like their ‘old self’. CIRCA exploits the fact that, while dementia sufferers find it hard to recall recent events, longer-term memory is less affected by their condition…
Dr. Arlene Astell of the University of St Andrews School of Psychology is leading the research team. Dr Astell says: “Dementia sufferers’ declining ability to hold normal conversations causes a lot of stress and frustration. Helping them access their memories will make living with dementia more bearable and less distressing for sufferers and their carers.”
There’s more on how the system works, plus some touching case studies, at the EPS research website…