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An innovative mobile compatible software is promising to tackle cognitive decline and communication skills in patients grappling with Alzheimer's disease.
In a significant breakthrough, researchers have developed a new software aimed at mitigating the cognitive and communicative deterioration witnessed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Alzheimer's, a progressive neurodegenerative ailment, has long been associated with a distressing decline in cognitive functions and communication abilities, consequently curbing patients' autonomy and self-sufficiency.
The primary objective of the study was twofold: to create a home-utilizable software solution capable of counteracting the cognitive and communicative regression while fostering independence in individuals afflicted by AD, and to meticulously analyze the impact of this software on the cognitive communication proficiencies of AD-affected patients. The research encompassed a meticulous four-stage approach, commencing with the software's development, followed by participant selection, software training for the participants, its in-home usage, and ultimately re-evaluation of the recruited volunteers.
A carefully selected cohort of 32 individuals meeting stringent inclusion criteria was enrolled in the study. This group was randomly subdivided into two subsets: (1) the study group, and (2) the control group (each comprising 16 participants). These participants spanned various AD stages, encompassing mild (n=6), moderate (n=6), and severe phases (n=4). The software that was created was installed onto tablets and distributed to the participants within the study group. On the other hand, the control group was solely administered their established pharmacological treatments.
Strikingly, the study group not only received their standard medical regimen but was also engaged with the newly developed software. Precise assessments utilizing Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Language Assessment Test for Aphasia (LATA) were conducted both prior to and following the software deployment. Subsequent to the software's usage, caregivers of the study group participants were also surveyed. The outcomes were highly encouraging.
Remarkably, even participants in the severe stages of AD, who usually experience profound cognitive decline, demonstrated positive enhancements in cognitive-communication capabilities as gauged by LATA, MMSE, and caregiver feedback. Particularly noteworthy were improvements in grammar, assessed by LATA, and orientation, assessed by MMSE. Importantly, the control group participants exhibited no precipitous cognitive deterioration across all disease stages. This pioneering research underscores the development of a versatile Turkish software solution, capable of serving as an integral facet of a comprehensive cognitive-communication intervention strategy for AD patients at every stage, including those in the advanced phase.
Employing the application can assist individuals at every phase of AD in preserving their cognitive and communication abilities, leading to an improved outlook in terms of cognitive-communication skills, particularly in the domains of grammar and orientation. This breakthrough software not only holds the potential to remarkably boost the quality of life for AD patients but also presents a promising stride towards a more holistic approach to managing this challenging condition.
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
Development of mobile compatible software for cognitive–communication disorder in individuals with Alzheimer's disease
Mümüne Merve Parlak et al.
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