Four case studies on remote communication by older adults having dementia with their families and friends

Abstract

In a preliminary study, we investigated the effects of remote communication with family and friends by using a video-call application on older adults with dementia. Two older adults with moderate dementia living in a long-term care service center and two hospitalized older adults with severe dementia participated in this study. We assessed the activation of the prefrontal cortex, stress conditions, and the arousal of positive emotional expressions in the participants. Results indicated activation of the prefrontal cortex and relaxation when the participants communicated using the video-call application. Moreover, expressions of happiness quickly appeared when communicating with children and friends. These results suggest that remote communication with family and friends using a video-call application could be a tool for supporting the successful aging in older adults with dementia.