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Integrating Cognitive Rehabilitation and Technology for Individuals with Memory Concerns

Date

2024-07-24

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0000-0001-5259-0979

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Doctoral

Abstract

This dissertation contributes to a growing body of research required to make cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with dementia more accessible to people living with dementia and their families. Our population is aging, and with age comes both normal and abnormal cognitive aging. As a result, increasing numbers of people will require support to manage age-related changes in areas such as cognition and functional ability. One avenue to accessibly increase support is through off-the-shelf technology. Through two studies, this dissertation developed a more detailed understanding of how technology could support individuals and families by surveying attitudes, beliefs, and existing technology use of care partners (Study 1); and by attempting to merge technology with cognitive rehabilitation through a series of case studies (Study 2). Study 1 reported that care partners were relatively comfortable with technology, using it for functional tasks and some caregiving. Experiences with technology ranged being positive, neutral, or negative. Barriers to technology use were identified, including cost, lack of knowledge, security/privacy concerns, and undesirable features. Facilitators included access to support, and presence of desirable features. Some care partners were merging technology with caregiving and seeing benefit. Others were concerned that technology would not be feasibly adopted for caregiving. COVID-19 also seemed to increased technology usage and may have changed perceived usefulness of technology. Study 2 suggested the integration of technology and cognitive rehabilitation was feasible and acceptable, with a variety of technologies and features being used successfully to accomplish a range of goals. A research journal provided insights into successful integration of technology with cognitive rehabilitation: the importance of a visual component, intervention flexibility, and a strong therapeutic alliance. The research journal also suggested that integrating cognitive rehabilitation and technology helped create environments that increased quality of life.

Description

Keywords

Cognitive rehabilitation, technology, dementia, care partners

Citation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Psychology

Program

Psychology

Part Of

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DOI

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