Managing dementia symptoms and needs using technology.

Dementia is a difficult and costly disease to manage. Although caregivers and patients have indicated they need support for activities of daily living and debilitating neuropsychological symptoms, most technology innovations focus on safety and social contact. This feasibility study tested a care technology designed to manage dementia symptoms and everyday routines using common, nonpharmacological interventions. It was implemented in two formal care environments (memory care, assisted living). In Sample 1, independent observers decided which symptoms were present or absent in individual residents pre-intervention and 1 and 2 months during the intervention. In Sample 2, independent observers determined the desired status (goals) for individual residents prior to intervention and evaluated resident status 1 and 2 months into the intervention. The intervention was associated with a reduction in symptoms and progression toward wellness goals, suggesting that nondrug interventions for managing symptoms and daily routines in dementia can be delivered effectively using advanced technology. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.