Assistive Technology for Physical and Cognitive Exercises in Dementia Patients

1. Lead Wires to HCS12 Magnet Hall Effect Sensor SENSOR SIBHI 2007 Assistive Technology for Promoting Exercises to Prevent Cognitive Degeneration in Patients with Dementia Advisors Cheryl Riley-Doucet, PhD, RNOakland UniversityNursingrileydou@oakland.edu Debatosh Debnath, PhD.Oakland UniversityComp. Sci. & Engineeringdebnath@oakland.edu Sarvinder SandhuMichigan State UniversityBiosystems Engineeringsandhus2@msu.edu Naveen Chilukoti Oakland University Electrical Engineeringnchiluko@oakland.edu Kenny EarlyOakland University Nursingkearly@oakland.edu PROBLEM STATMENT To create an assistive technology device that will provide patients suffering from dementia a safe way to participate in physical and mental exercises, while delaying the progression of cognitive degeneration.. PROPOSED DESIGN • Visual C# A Windows Form displays questions at random with corresponding multiple chice answers from a pool of data. Based on sensor data captured from the microcontroller, object on the screen are animated to create a game. • Microcontroller A Freescale HCS12 microcontroller stores captures data from pushbuttons and a hall effect sensor, then sends that data to a computer. ABSTRACT Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States [2]. Research suggests that the combination of physical and mental exercises reduces the progression of cognitive necrosis [3]. The proposed project focuses on creating an assistive technology device to promote both physical exercise and cognitive stimulation for patients suffering from dementia. The device incorporates a portable mini stationary bike to provide physical exercise and an interactive visual multiple choice question game for cognitive stimulation. Research has shown that certain multi-sensory stimulants such as fiber optic lights and appropriate colors can be used to relax and control the agitation of patients with dementia. By incorporating these stimulants into the design, the project proposes a safe and fun way for patients with dementia to do physical and mental exercises. OBJECTIVES • Use technology to promote physical and mental exercise • Delay the progression of cognitive decline • Interface an appropriate game with an appropriate physical workout • Improve patient’s quality of life and careCurrently, technology that targets both physical and mental exercises for patients with dementia does not exist, making this design unique. • Mini stationary bike incorporated with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) • Patients asked multiple choice questions - Respond using pushbuttons • After selecting an answer, physical activity is required to move onto the next question FUTURE WORK • Assess prevention of overexertion (mechanical intervention) • Increase game functionality - Cues - Visual Primers - Improve GUI • Improve portability - Computer/Monitor RESEARCH • Exercise Physiology Cycling and ergometry are low impact controlled intensity workouts. They are ideal for patients with dementia because of their repetitive nature. • Visual Priming Cues are used to activate the amygdala (primary role in processing and memory of emotional reactions) and trigger implicit memories, providing motivation to continue exercising [5]. • Multi Stimulatory Effects Lights are used to calm patients to prevent agitation and to attempt to keep patient heart rate and blood pressure at a safe level during exercise [4]. BACKGROUND (KEY FACTS) • The most striking early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is loss of memory • As dementia progresses, cognitive impairment extends to the domains of language, skilled movements, and recognition • By 2050, 1 in 85 people worldwide will be living with Alzheimer’s disease -- a 350% increase since 2000 [1] • If intervention could delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by 1 year, there would be 3.7 million fewer patients with the disease who require high level of care in 2050 [1] REFERENCES • Brookmeyer R., Johnson E., “Forecasting the Global Burden of Alzheimer’s Disease”, Journal of Alzheimer's and Dementia, Vol.3 No.3, pp. 186-191, 2007. • Skinner S.J., “Exercise Testing and Exercise Prescription for Special Cases”, Theoretical Basis and Clinical Application, No. 3, pp. 38-100, 2005. • Roe C.M., Xiong C., Miller J.P., Morris J.C., “Education and Alzheimer disease without dementia: support for the cognitive reserve hypothesis”, Neurology, Vol. 68, No. 3, pp. 223-228, 2007. • Svansdottir H.B., Snaedal J., “Music therapy in moderate and severe dementia of Alzheimer's type: a case-control study”, International psychogeriatrics, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 613-621, 2006. • “Amyloid Plaques and Neurofibrillary Tangles”, Accessed from http://www.ahaf.com/alzdis/about/AmyloidPlaques.htm on June 28, 2007.