Abstract

Reminiscence intervention is effective for increasing self-esteem and decreasing behavioural disturbances in individuals with dementia. This paper introduces the concept of a "personalised reminiscence photo video" as a convenient method for reminiscence intervention. The video utilises a slideshow video of personal photos with narration, background music, and pan/zoom visual effects. A group of 15 individuals with dementia watched personalised reminiscence photo videos as well as two types of TV shows: a variety show and a news show. Eighty percent of the subjects (12 out of 15) showed more attention to their personalised reminiscence photo video than to the other two types of TV shows, thus suggesting the effectiveness of personalised reminiscence photo videos for reminiscence intervention.

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We adapted a vision-based face tracking system for cursor control by head movement. An additional vision-based algorithm allowed the user to enter a click by opening the mouth. The Fitts law information throughput rate of cursor movements was measured to be 2.0 bits/sec with the ISO 9241-9 international standard method for testing input devices. A usability assessment was also conducted and we report and discuss the results. A practical application of this facial gesture interface was studied: text input using the Dasher system, which allows a user to type by moving the cursor. The measured typing speed was 7-12 words/minute, depending on level of user expertise. Performance of the system is compared to a conventional mouse interface.

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We previously developed remote reminiscence conversation and schedule prompter systems via the videophone to improve psychological stability and to assist individuals with dementia to perform household tasks. Our results showed that the psychological stability of 1 patient persisted for 3 hours after remote conversations. The task completion rate afforded by the schedule prompter system, which displays a video reminder series automatically, was 52%. In the present study, we also investigated whether psychological stability was sustained in other patients. Furthermore, motivational prompter videos were added to enhance the original schedule prompter system. We found that 1 in 4 patients living at home showed greater stability while conversing with a conversation partner on the videophone than while watching television programs, and that she remained stable for 3 hours after remote conversations. The task completion rate afforded by the revised schedule prompter system was 82%. These 2 remote systems are promising tools for assisting individuals with dementia in their daily lives.

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