Title: Development and evaluation of a personalised multimedia system for reminiscence therapy in Alzheimer's patients

Authors: Vardit Sarne-Fleischmann, Noam Tractinsky

Addresses: Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel. ' Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel

Abstract: This study examines the effectiveness of a personalised multimedia system developed for the use of Alzheimer|s patients and their caregivers. The system was developed iteratively using the opinions and observations of patients and their caregivers as the primary evaluation mechanisms. Five Alzheimer patients and their caregivers participated in the evaluation study. The results indicate high user-satisfaction levels from the experiences with the system and a strong tendency towards a repeated use. The system was found effective in prompting conversations and in evoking personal memories; The results also show a clear preference of personal over general material when both were available.

Keywords: dementia; Alzheimers Disease; personalised support systems; reminiscence therapy; evaluation; personalised multimedia; human-computer interface; HCI; usability; elderly; psychosocial treatments; user-centred design; carers; conversations; personal memories.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSHC.2008.020482

International Journal of Social and Humanistic Computing, 2008 Vol.1 No.1, pp.81 - 96

Published online: 27 Sep 2008 *

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