Applying Technology for Dementia Patients

Do you still think that dementia or cognitive impairment patients only experience memory loss? Not at all! In the early stages of cognitive impairment, memory may be the only issue, but as time progresses, patients will also experience declining spatial and temporal awareness. Their judgment, learning, calculation, and language abilities weaken, and they may lose their sense of direction, making them prone to wandering. Patients can also become agitated, delusional, and may exhibit hallucinations or unusual behaviors. The older a person gets, the greater their risk of developing these conditions. Among seniors aged 70 and over, 1 in 10 is affected; for those aged 85 and above, 1 in 3 is affected.

In Hong Kong, not every care facility is like the Jockey Club Elderly Home, which caters specifically to the needs of dementia patients. For those unable to enter a facility, home care becomes crucial. Understanding the needs of cognitive impairment patients is essential for designing a suitable living environment.

Avoiding Visuospatial Difficulties

To prevent patients from experiencing spatial confusion, home arrangements should be simple but not monochromatic. Some patients can only perceive one-dimensional spaces. For example, if a bathroom is entirely white, patients may confuse the toilet and sink. Additionally, maintaining sufficient indoor lighting is crucial; shadows can lead more severe patients to believe there are others in the house, as late-stage patients cannot distinguish between flat and three-dimensional images.

The Risk of Go Missing

The most concerning issue is wandering, as it can be very dangerous—especially when patients are on busy streets. If the patient were at home, and there is no caregivers keep an eye on the patient all the time, installing a proximity alarm could be beneficial. When a patient approaches the front door, the alarm would make a sound, and instantly notify caregivers. Alternatively, providing patients with a sensing wristband can achieve the same alert.

Another method is to place a black carpet at the entrance, which may lead dementia patients to perceive it as a "big hole," deterring them from leaving. Using curtains to obscure the front door can also change its appearance, reducing the risk of wandering. Certain items near the entrance—such as keys, shoes, umbrellas, wallets, and bags—can trigger the desire to go outside. Storing these items away can minimize the chances of patients wandering off.

Hidden Risks at Home

In addition to addressing the needs of dementia patients, the risks for seniors living alone are significant. Bedside sensors can be installed, along with handrails. Toilet handrails can also be wrapped in red tape for visibility. Sometimes, dementia patients may forget where they are; installing sensors that trigger indoor lighting can help, especially at night. For instance, placing a sensor by the bed that activates the bathroom light when someone gets out of bed can guide seniors to the bathroom, as this is a common nighttime need. Good lighting is essential; increasing natural light can reduce darkness and shadows. Patients may not recognize their own reflection, and mirrors can become a source of anxiety, making them feel as if a stranger is staring back.

New Technologies for Elder Care

Caring for patients and caregivers alike is challenging. With the rapid advancement of technology, elder care technology is also constantly evolving. For instance, Birdie, a UK-based elder care tech startup, showcased at The Alzheimer's & Dementia Show how technology can be used to track cognitive and physical trends in Alzheimer’s patients. Caregivers can gain insights from the report on things like a heightened level of confusion. Another company, Recreo VR, collaborates with the Alzheimer’s Society to create Recreo Reminiscence VR content, aimed at improving the mental and social health of dementia patients by allowing them to revisit special places from their past, thus alleviating emotional issues.