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Interactive videos help improve memory functiontn Alzheimer's and dementta patients

Bv Veronica Lamb

LAN MCDOWELLWAS WORKING INTHE ALZHEIMER'SUNIT at aTocal care cen-

ter when he saw a need. Noticing theshort attention span of the Alzheim-er's patients and all the disruptionsthat went with it, he decided whatwas needed was an activity. So, in theevening hours when the patients were

more prone to jumping out of chairs

and wandering ofl McDowell startedplaying some light, classical music.

40 Primelwww.primeinw.com

Right away he noticed that the patientswere engaged and sedentary. "They

would just breathe, and calm down," he

says. Encouraged by the result, he wentto work creating a more interactive ac-

tivity, and began developing MemoryPrograms, a series of remote-controlledDVD programs for independent seniors

and individuals with Alzheimer's and

other forms of dementia.

The programs (which start at S19.99)

work just like trivia games; you push

a button on the remote control and go

from screen to screen. The slides con-tain different pictures, words, colors

and graphics depending on the pro-gram. Currently, programs are avail-able dealing with proverbial clues,

presidential history, simple math prob-lems, 1940s nostalgia, and dogs. Fu-ture programs about flowers, undersea

life, bird watching, and gardening are

in the works. Each Memory Programis set up like a book, with chapters,

pictures, and information. For in-stance, the presidential history pro-

gram covers the United States presidents

from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama.The simple math program works similarto flashcards, reviewing basic arithmeticproblems. The 1940s nostalgia programhas a ptzzle element that focuses on pic-ture recognition, which is broken downinto stages for cognition. The proverbialclues program is more of a trivia game,where viewers complete proverbial sen-tences. Then there are the dog programs.Based on the success ofactual dog visits,the dog program contain over 1000 digi-tal slides and goes over 35 different dogbreeds, complete with pictures and triviaabout the breeds.

And although picture recognitionis not an original idea, McDowell feltit was time that care activities caughtup with technology. Before, directorsin care facilities would cut out picturesfrom magazines to use for picture recog-nition. "'Ioday's technology wasn't beingutilized in that market," he says. Anotheradvantage to moving the type from pa-per to screen is the size. The words onthe screen are large, so people with visualimpairments can see. "Now they can readagain," he adds.

The road to developing the programswasn't always so smooth. It's like writinga book, but a little more di{ficult, Mc-Dowell expressed. Along with all the re-search that goes into putting together theprograms, McDowell wrote all the chap-ters, cataloged the historical informationand found the graphics. "It's learningnew stuff all the time," McDowell saysofthe process.

The programs - individualiy tailoredfor activity directors, at-home care, andindependent seniors - have seen a greatresponse so far. Benefits have been lesswandering by the patients, better com-munication between staff and residents,and less of a need for psychiatric drugs."It's like kids playing a video game,,'Mc-Dowell says, adding that the calmnessin the facilities has made developing theprograms worthwhile. "You can actuallysee a positive, peaceful changes.,, El

For more information, visitwww.memoryPrograms.com orcall 800/711-7616.

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December / January 20!7 47

8Creative Forecasting, Inc. October 2010 (719) 633-3174, Fax: (719) 632-4721, E-mail: cfi@cfactive.comwww.creativeforecasting.com

46

Answers to COOKBOOKSWORD SEARCH (from page 45)

Answers to POPULAR BOOKSCROSSWORD PUZZLE (from page 44)

Resource SpotlightCreative Forecasting Editors

MEMORY PROGRAMS™INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Memory Programs™PO Box 1601Spokane, WA 99210-1601800-711-7616www.memoryprograms.com

Memory Programs™ developed interactive remote-controlDVD games designed to be shown on a TV screen. (ADVD player and remote control are needed.) The programswork well in large groups and individually. These digitalactivities were developed to engage people in interactivereading and picture puzzle books on the screen. The DVDgives the Activity Director full control and direction of aprogram. This revolutionary program was created in anAlzheimer’s unit by an activity program developer whosebackground involved working with assistive technology tosuccessfully engage seniors in activity. The goal was tocreate a cost-effective memory program using the exist-ing technology available in every facility and living room.Most of the development of Memory Programs™ camefrom the active environment of a care facility. The devel-oper found that the use of generational-specific visual ac-tivities engaged residents more often than the auditoryprograms being used. Two of the DVDs are Full Versions(Dog Days and Presidential History) and include two disksfor each program. Disk one is the picture puzzle programwith multiple levels of recognition. Disk two covers slidesof reading, picture recognition, and trivia.

Memory Programs™ are suitable for almost every age leveland mental ability including those battling Alzheimer’s dis-ease, other forms of dementia, auditory processing disor-der, and fully cognitive individuals. These programs arealso formatted for individuals with visual impairments. Vari-ous skill levels of intensity are introduced, gradually build-ing on the participants’ knowledge base over time. Here’san overview of five Memory Programs™:

Dog Days: Dog Days Full Version is a comprehensive doghistory game that covers 38 of the most popular dog breeds.This program includes historic and common information oneach breed. Dog Days covers more than 1000 slides for theselection of reading, trivia, and picture recognition.Presidential History: Presidential History Full Version cov-ers nearly a century of American history. Chapters containreading, trivia, picture recognition, and picture puzzles.By the Numbers: This program contains a simple mathflash card game covering multiplication, addition, and sub-traction. Each flash card is color enhanced to draw uponeach player’s interest.Proverbial Clues: This program is a proverb trivia gamewith the most popular sayings seniors grew up with through-out their lifetime. Each question is designed with colorfulgraphics that stimulate interesting memories. In this pro-gram, there are over 200 questions with 100 pictures asso-ciated with each memory.1940’s Nostalgia: The program covers the most popularstars of the 1940s. Multiple program levels cover picturerecognition, picture comparison, and picture puzzles of eachfamous person of the 1940s.

Memory Programs™ activities are very easy to use. Thepackage includes remote-controlled DVDs that come withan instruction manual of how to use each particular DVDand access to an online instructional video. The direct, hands-on approach engages participants in an enjoyable and edu-cational activity. This product also has a variety of interest-ing subjects for a higher level of recognition and recall expe-rience for participants.

Purchase any of the Memory Programs™ DVDs from thecompany. The price of the Dog Days Full Version or Presi-dential History Full Version DVDs is $29.95 plus $3.50 s/hfor each one. The Canadian price is $35.28 plus + $5.32 s/h (total amount in U.S. funds) for each one. The price of Bythe Numbers, Proverbial Clues, or 1940’s Nostalgia is $19.95plus $3.50 s/h for each one. The Canadian price is$21.50 plus $5.32 s/h (total amount in U.S. funds) for eachone.

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Testimonials

“We are impressed by Memory Programs and the results we see. Residents remain awake and

alert, stay engaged and on task. I encourage any facility to try the programs with their

residents.” Matt, Administrator

“Residents are engaged by Memory Programs. The program keeps their interest, keeps them

mentally stimulated, and decreases wandering, “Marty RN

“Memory Programs create more interaction and calm residents. They are less frustrated and

more patient than with other programs.

Jan, NAC

“Memory Programs give residents the ability to answer questions and feel good about

themselves. While in use, the unit is more peaceful and there is a decrease in wandering. The

program stimulates their brains and the residents become more attentive.” Julie NAC

“Memory Programs are fantastic! There is more participation, less boredom, and the program

engages residents that normally aren’t interested in traditional activities,” Shelly, NAC

“It’s amazing how ‘difficult’ residents answer questions when normally they rarely respond.

Many of these individuals suffer with dementia and are quiet and depressed. Memory Programs

bring them out of their shell. They are talking again!” Laura RN

“Residents show more of an interest in the video programs than other activities. They are more

relaxed. I think any facility could benefit from Memory Programs.” Jeanie, Caregiver

“We are seeing more engagement and better communication among residents with hearing

impairments. There is a lot more verbalization. Residents are requesting to play the programs at

least once a week. Staff has been impressed by the programs.”

Susan, Activity Director

Programs for Independent Seniors! "I enjoyed the programs a lot, pictures helped me visualize. Memory Programs cover our era and they spark conversations. With other games I have trouble visualizing what the questions and answers are. Marriane, Independent Senior "The programs are more interesting than other programs. I would rather plug a Memory Program in at home than trivial pursuit because it's easier to play alone. It brought back memories of my mother and family." Dick, Independent Senior "The programs get us reminiscing and take us back to when we were with our families. They are really fun!" Beulah, Independent Senior "The program sparks more conversations between seniors than traditional flash card games. They are reminiscing because the programs are specific to their generation." Rebeca, Senior Center Assistant Coordinator

"We are seeing more engagement and better communication among residents with hearing impairments. There is a lot more verbalization. Residents are requesting to play the programs at least once a week.” Robin, Activity Director

More Quotes from People in the field!

Testimonial submitter names missing from database

“I've never seen an activities program calm down an Alzheimer's unit the way this program

does in Sundowning periods.”

Anonymous Nursing Home Worker

“The program decreases falls, increases mental stimulation for better communication and

verbalization.”

Anonymous Senior Care Provider

“There are major positive differences in behavior when the programs are in use.”

Anonymous Senior Care Provider

“The programs are good for poor eyesight. Individuals with visual impairments are now

reading.”

Anonymous Senior Care Provider

“I've seen a decrease in agitation, more participation. I've never seen interactive games like this

before with the visual aspects and calming colors that help engage.”

Anonymous Senior Care Provider

“The program gives me more supervision. I can see the individuals in the room while engaging

residents.”

Anonymous Senior Care Provider

“It's surprising to see residents reading when I didn't know they still read.”

Anonymous Senior Care Provider

“I handed over the system to the nurse’s aides and they enjoyed running the programs. The

system makes it easier for the nursing staff to complete assigned duties because of the greater

participation. Residents are now grouped in front of the television set enjoying programs and

the staff doesn't have to worry about them all being separated and wandering around the

facility being in many different places.”

Anonymous Senior Care Provider

Integrating Technology with Dementia Activities!

Memory Programs are interactive remote control DVD's for independent seniors and

individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Interactive dementia activities were

first developed in an Alzheimer's unit. Programs were developed by integrating popular auditory

Alzheimer's activities with today's technology. Some of today's most popular dementia activities

are word games, reminiscing, and book reading. The developer found that residents struggled

to engage in these activities because most seniors in Alzheimer's units have visual and auditory

impairments along with short attention spans.

The developer took current programs used over the past 30 years and integrated them

into video game formats for the television screen. Using zoom options on the DVD player

remote control enhanced words to fill entire television screens. Buttons on the remote control

were formatted to scroll through each enhanced sentence. The programmer developed stages

to engage individuals with multiple skill levels. Nostalgic and popular information was added to

the dementia activities to engage individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia that

tend to concentrate on information from their past. The new activities for dementia residents

showed that voluntary participation rates could double and triple. The first unit saw a significant

reduction in wandering and volatile behaviors shown by those suffering from Sundowning

Syndrome. Multiple color and graphic formats with topic changes created less boredom and

helped seniors with very low attention spans engage in dementia activities for the first time.

Supervising Activities for Dementia with Memory Programs!

Memory Programs incorporate a communication system that provides a higher level of

supervision in dementia care facilities. The developer of Memory Programs found that current

popular activities for dementia were not developed to engage and supervise at the same time.

He noticed that popular sing-along's were most effective because they were often memorized

by activity coordinators which helped to visually supervise residents while coordinating activities

and allowed for more one-on-one contact with participants.

The developer also found that current word game activities, reading programs, and

reminiscing activities required coordinators to look down at materials and kept their eyes from

supervising and engaging large groups of volatile individuals. He decided to format programs

for the remote control so the coordinators eyes would always be open to what was going on in

the room. This promoted better communication between the activity coordinator and the

participants. After development, residents began asking their own questions and engaging

independently so the activity coordinators now had more one-on-one time with residents

struggling to participate. Dementia activities could now be run by residents with the assistance

of cueing techniques through push button activities.

Alzheimer's Activities Calm and Relax Residents! Observations around the country by activity coordinators are showing that Memory Programs

are calming down volatile dementia behaviors and promoting better sleep patterns. The

coordinator found that when developing dementia activities, sleep patterns needed to be taken

into consideration. The normal person with Sundowning Syndrome sleeps long hours

throughout the day and begins to wake up in late afternoon and early evening. The developer

created multiple game levels in 1940's Nostalgia, Dog Days, and Presidential History game

versions to engage large groups of individuals in activity during the day. Groups with a variety

of skill levels could now engage in the same questions during afternoon hours by breaking

questions into multiple stages. Calming one-on-one program levels were also developed for

evening hours.

The developer found that excited voice tones, open body language, and open questions were

needed with daytime activities to promote interaction. Calmer voice tones with closed

questioning game levels that engaged one individual at a time were required for individuals with

Sundowning Syndrome in evening hours. Light classic music was added in the background to

the closed questioning to counteract the loud noises and behaviors that often disturbed most

units. Residents were also placed in circular patterns when entering the room. As interest began

to sway after 30 to 40 minutes, residents with more energy were cued to the front as other

residents began to sleep in the outer circle. Lastly, calming color changes were added to each

digital slide which appeared to help engage those with a low attention span and calm them at

the same time. After a one year period, resident participation in the activity room from 6:30 to

8:30pm went from 5-6 residents on and off with traditional activities to more than 17

individuals at a time. Residents voluntarily became sedentary rather than wandering hallways

and fighting with staff and other residents. Staff noted better cooperation among residents.

Repetitive bathroom behaviors also subsided. Nursing staff noticed more time to finish assigned

duties.

Memory Programs for Independent Seniors!

As programs were finalized and brought to market, Memory Programs decided not only to

develop activities for dementia, but programs for independent seniors as well. The completion

of dementia activity formats created stages that promoted individual engagement with multiple

skill levels. Memory Programs began developing brain aerobics activities for independent seniors

by adding more challenging questions with the same idea in mind. The same nostalgic and

popular topics were enhanced to challenge independent seniors in memory game exercises.

Observations by independent seniors have shown less boredom and depression throughout the

day. Programs are available in timed movie versions for seniors at home as well as remote

control group activity versions for coordinators in retirement communities.