Importance of Assistive Technology in Dementia [Infographic]

Alice Lucey http://www.beindependenthomecare.ie 2m 457 #dementia

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

My name is Alice Lucey and I am Director of Care/Nursing with Be Independent Home Care, a company based in Ireland that provides one to one assistance and support to elderly clients in their own homes to help them retain their independence and individuality. I have put together this infographic called The Importance of Assistive Technology in Dementia.

Did you know for example that 7.7 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed every year and it is on the rise? Shockingly every 4 seconds a new case of dementia occurs somewhere in the world. This is why assistive technology is so important and why I have included some of the types of assistive technology on this infographic.

Take a look at our infographic for more information on Dementia and Assistive Technology and Supportive Tools for aiding and helping to care for people with dementia.

Click to open / Right-click for save options

Text-Friendly Version

THE IMPORTANCE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN DEMENTIA

“Assistive technology is any device or system that can assist people who have difficulties carrying out everyday activities.” AT DEMENTIA DEFINITION

UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA

Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases and conditions that are characterized by a decline in a person’s memory or other thinking skills.

This affects a person’s ability to perform simple everyday activities.

It is caused by damage to neurons in a person’s brain.

These damaged neurons can no longer function at a normal level and may die.

This leads to changes in a person’s ability to think clearly, their behavior and their memory.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

ADVANCES IN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE

DEMENTIA IS ON THE RISE WITH 7.7 MILLION NEW CASES OF DEMENTIA ANNUALLY

EVERY 4 SECONDS A NEW CASE OF DEMENTIA OCCURS SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD

44.4 MILLION+ THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA WORLDWIDE IN 2013

75.6 MILLION+ THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE PREDICTED TO HAVE DEMENTIA WORLDWIDE BY 2030

135.5 MILLION THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE PREDICTED TO HAVE DEMENTIA WORLDWIDE BY 2050

PREDICTED REGIONAL INCREASE IN DEMENTIA

% INCREASE BY 2050

THE AMERICAS 248%
EUROPE 90%
AFRICA 345%
ASIA 226%

TYPES OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Devices that can support communication.

EXAMPLES: Intercoms, Telephones

ORIENTATION & MEMORY AIDS

Devices that can act as memory prompts and reminders.

EXAMPLES: Noticeboards and Signs, Voice Recorders and Memo Minders, Item Locator Devices, Clocks and Calendars, Medication Reminders and Dispensers.

SAFETY MONITORS

Devices that can help improve safety in the home.

EXAMPLES: Cooker Cut-off, Exit Sensors, GPS Trackers, Activity Monitors, Fall Detectors, Alarm and Pager Units, Temperature Monitors, Flood Detectors, Gas, Carbon Monoxide, and Smoke Detectors

RECREATION & LEISURE

Devices that can help support and enable leisure activities.

EXAMPLES: Computer Aids, Talking Games, TV, Radio, and Music Controls, Talking Photo Albums, and Books for Dementia Patients

be Independent HomeCare
www.beindependenthomecare.ie

(