BackgroundAssistive Technology (AT) has been suggested as a means by which people with dementia can be helped to live independently, while also leading to greater efficiencies in care. However little is known about how AT is being used by people with dementia and their carers in their daily routines. This paper reports on a qualitative study exploring the everyday use of AT by people with dementia and their families.MethodsThe research employed a qualitative methodology. Semi structured interviews took place with 39 participants, 13 people with dementia and 26 carers. Key themes were identified using thematic analysis and the constant comparative method.ResultsThree categories of AT use in everyday settings were identified; formal AT, accessed via social care services, ‘off the shelf AT’ purchased privately, and ‘do it yourself’ AT, everyday household products adapted by families to fulfil individual need in the absence of specific devices. Access to AT was driven by carers, with the majority of benefits being experienced by carers. Barriers to use included perceptions about AT cost; dilemmas about the best time to use AT; and a lack of information and support from formal health and social care services about how to access AT, where to source it and when and how it can be used.ConclusionsIt has been argued that the ‘mixed economy’ landscape, with private AT provision supplementing state provision of AT, is a key feature for the mainstreaming of AT services. Our data suggests that such a mixed economy is indeed taking place, with more participants using ‘off the shelf’ and ‘DIY’ AT purchased privately rather than via health and social care services. However this system has largely arisen due to an inability of formal care services to meet client needs. Such findings therefore raise questions about just who AT in its current provision is working for and whether a mixed market approach is the most appropriate provider model. Everyday technologies play an important role in supporting families with dementia to continue caring; further research is needed however to determine the most effective and person-centred models for future AT provision.

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Background: Psychosocial interventions for carers of people with dementia are increasingly

In this review we explore the provision of assistive technology products and services currently available for people with dementia within the United Kingdom. A scoping review of assistive technology products and services currently available highlighted 171 products or product types and 331 services. In addition, we assimilated data on the amount and quality of information provided by assistive technology services alongside assistive technology costs. We identify a range of products available across three areas: assistive technology used 'by', 'with' and 'on' people with dementia. Assistive technology provision is dominated by 'telecare' provided by local authorities, with services being subject to major variations in pricing and information provision; few currently used available resources for assistive technology in dementia. We argue that greater attention should be paid to information provision about assistive technology services across an increasingly mixed economy of dementia care providers, including primary care, local authorities, private companies and local/national assistive technology resources.

While therapeutic interventions involving music have been shown to have benefits for people with dementia, little research has examined the role of music and music-related activities in their everyday lives. This paper presents the results of qualitative research that explored this role in terms of : the meaning and importance of music in everyday life ; the benefits derived from participation in music-related activities ; and the problems of engaging with music. Data were collected during in-depth interviews with 26 people with dementia and their carers, who lived either in their own homes or in residential care in different parts of England. The paper illustrates the many different ways in which people with dementia experience music. As well as being enjoyed in its own right, music can enable people to participate in activities that are enjoyable and personally meaningful. It is an important source of social cohesion and social contact, supports participation in various activities within and outside the household, and provides a degree of empowerment and control over their everyday situations. The practical implications for the provision of care and support for people with dementia are discussed. The scope and implications for technological development to promote access to music are also discussed.

Summary:The gyral topography of the ischaemic penumbra associated with middle cerebral artery occlu sion was studied in cats; local blood flow (hydrogen clearance, 2-min initial slope analysis), pial surface potassium activity (Kp), and electroencephalogram (EEG) am plitude were recorded on the ectosylvian, su prasylvian, and marginal gyri, Penumbral conditions were defined as a reduction of EEG am plitude in the absence of a major increase in Kp, Whole hemisphere cerebral blood flow prior to occlusion was 35,6 ± llA (SD) mll00 g-l min-1 (n = 25), and fell significantly (p < 0.001) to 13.0 ± 4.7 (SD), 14.1 ± 6.6, and 23.8 ± 9.3 on ectosylvian, su prasylvian, and marginal gyri, respectively. Pre-occlusion Kp was 3.0 ± 0.9 mM (n = 53); sustained, steady-state increases in excess of 11.5 mM occurred in 5 of 7 (71%) experiments on ectosylvian gyrus, in 13 of 22 (59%) ex-

This paper addresses the design of assistive technology that specifically aims to support an improvement in the quality of life of people with dementia. Starting from interviews with users, a grounded theory approach was used to compile a wish list of issues important for maintaining quality of life. A large list of potential technologies that could address these issues was generated, and four were selected for initial development: a music player, a device to reduce social isolation, a conversation prompter, and a device to support sequences of tasks. The music player and social isolation device are described in this paper in detail. A user-led approach to their design was followed, including approaches to finding control interfaces that were intuitive for people with dementia. The paper concludes with a list of recommendations for designers looking to develop equipment of this kind.

This paper reports on the qualitative findings of the first phase of the INDEPENDENT Project, an EPSRC funded EQUAL 4 consortium project in the UK that aims to investigate enabling environments for people with dementia. The overall project focus is on wellbeing and quality of life for people in different types of housing, with particular focus on the possible roles technology can play in maintaining the person's independence as long as possible. Connection to nature, access to the outdoors, and participation in nature-based activities were among a wide range of enjoyable activities reported by study participants living in their