Abstract

Recent developments in assistive technology (AT) have shown potential in supporting dementia sufferers through everyday activity. Existing concepts include orientation aids, reminder devices, communication supports and prompting systems. To ensure that the designs are both useful and appropriate, it is necessary to: (i) identify the problems that need to be addressed, and (ii) explain these problems in accordance with cognitive theory.

This is the focus of the first study, which describes the problems of dementia in the home from the perspectives of professional carers, patients and informal caregivers. The account is also provided in accordance with the cognitive models of dementia. The implications of this study for the design of Assistive Technology will be discussed.