Research Institute　National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities＞ Department of Assistive Technology＞ Research and development project＞

Assistive technology for persons with dementia

（Update：August 16, 2011）

■Development and evaluation of assistive technologies by field-based method

Development of an daily schedule board

Proposal of field-based method
―How we can analyze needs and features of persons with dementia ―
We developed the schedule board which shows information necessary for persons with dementia in understandable manner.To develop it, we employed discourse and behavior analysis in their real-life.　

Development of an information service robot

Toward “assistive technologies fitting in life” which facilitate prolonging of autonomous and independent life
We are developing the communication-robot-system which supports information on daily schedule through natural conversations. Persons with dementia can decide what to do at the time if he or she just get information.

Development of an electric diary system

Challenge for development of assistive technologies to support psychological well-being
―Recollection of “what I am now capable of“―
We are developing the electric diary system which displays the user’s recent successful experiences leading to self-confidence.

Evaluation of automatic-brakes of a wheelchair.

For safety use of assistive technologies by persons with dementia.
We are conducting short and long-term evaluation of the latest auto-brakes, which were developed to prevent falling due to forgetting to apply the brake. This evaluation will contribute to the improvement of the safety.

■Establishment of care methods for autonomous and independent living by using assistive technologies.

Toward autonomous and independent living in community
It often happens that just a provision of an assistive technology dose not lead to real use. Therefore, it is essential to fit assistive technology in accordance with user’s feature and support the user to get accustomed to use it. We are developing manuals of the care methods based on research on “AT's coverage”, “proper intervention”, and “effect” of ATs.

■Information distributions

Information offering to persons with dementia and developers
―To promote development and popularization of assistive technologies―
We have“an exhibition hall of assistive technologies for persons with dementia”, which displays around eighty items from home and abroad (by appointment visit only). We also have “database of assistive technologies for persons with dementia”(in Japanese).
URL：http://www.rehab.go.jp/ri/kaihatsu/lifeSupport/top_ja.php

The exhibition hall of assistive technology for persons with dementia

The database of assistive technology for persons with dementia

■ Contact

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