Successful Use of Voice Output Navigator for a Patient with Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

    There have been few reports on patients with dementia using electronic devices to assist them in following daily schedules. This study attempted to evaluate the use of an IC Recorder and ChatBox for voice output to a patient with Alzheimer's disease. Messages were recorded by a speech therapist and played to prompt the patient's daily activities, including reminders not to leave the house to take the dog for a walk. The patient did well in initiating actions in response to the spoken messages. His most troublesome behavior, leaving the house, ceased completely. This study suggests that electronic devices may have potential as memory aids for some patients with dementia.