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CIRCA - Innovative Memory Aid for Dementia by EPSRC
Jun 16, 2005, 18:07, Reviewed by: Dr.
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Dr Arlene Astell of the University of St Andrews School of Psychology is leading the research team. Dr Astell says: "Dementia sufferers' declining ability to hold normal conversations causes a lot of stress and frustration. Helping them access their memories will make living with dementia more bearable and less distressing for sufferers and their carers."
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By EPSRC,
Classic movies such as 'Casablanca' could bring back lost memories for dementia sufferers thanks to an innovative memory aid. Based on an interactive multimedia computer system and a clearer understanding of how dementia sufferers respond to social situations, the aid aims to stimulate more enjoyable, rewarding conversation between sufferers and those who care for them.
With funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), a team of researchers in Scotland has developed CIRCA (Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid). CIRCA comprises a simple touch-screen with easy-to-follow instructions that require no IT competence.
When switched on, it displays a choice of three random categories (entertainment, local life etc). Selecting a category, the user is given a choice of 'music', 'photo' or 'video'. These in turn call up images, video or sound clips (e.g. of well-known movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart) from a database, acting as a memory trigger and conversation prompt. A 'stop and talk' button allows the system to be frozen at any point.
The research team has built a range of innovative features into the way the system is used. Because sufferer and carer sit side by side in front of the screen, encouraging the sense of a shared experience, and because the system relies on a touch screen, rather than a mouse or keyboard, the carer is not seen as being 'in control'. Furthermore, as the sufferer can be prompted to operate the system themselves, they feel less dependent on their carer. The result is a more positive, relaxed social experience than can be achieved using other memory-prompting reminiscence packages currently available.
During development, CIRCA was tested on 40 dementia sufferers in daycare, nursing home and family situations. The results were very encouraging, with many carers reporting that sufferers seemed like their 'old self' (see case studies below). CIRCA exploits the fact that, while dementia sufferers find it hard to recall recent events, longer-term memory is less affected by their condition.
CIRCA could become available on the market in 2-3 years. The research team is now looking at whether it could also be used for people with learning disabilities or head injuries. In addition, they have secured EPSRC funding to develop an interactive multimedia activity system that dementia sufferers can use on their own.
Dr Arlene Astell of the University of St Andrews School of Psychology is leading the research team. Dr Astell says: "Dementia sufferers' declining ability to hold normal conversations causes a lot of stress and frustration. Helping them access their memories will make living with dementia more bearable and less distressing for sufferers and their carers."
The 3-year project, 'A Multimedia Reminiscence Experience and Conversation Support for Elderly People with Memory Loss,' received EPSRC funding of �404,000. Alzheimer Scotland and Dundee City Council were partners in this initiative, which was supported under the EPSRC-funded EQUAL programme. EQUAL aims to encourage technological developments that improve quality of life for older adults.
The 3-year follow-up project, "Developing an Interactive Multimedia Activity System for Elderly People with Dementia", will run until 2007 and is receiving EPSRC funding of �457,000.
Researchers have found that it is better to avoid customising CIRCA to include items of close personal relevance to individual sufferers, who tended to feel distressed if they are unable to remember the names of people they recognised as close friends or family members.
In the UK, 5% of people over the age of 65 are affected by dementia, the most common form being Alzheimer's Disease. 
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
www.epsrc.ac.uk
The research team is drawn from:
The School of Psychology at the University of St Andrews
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee
the Department of Applied Computing at the University of Dundee
For more information on EQUAL, visit the web at www.fp.rdg.ac.uk/equal/
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK's main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. The EPSRC invests more than �500 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone's health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. Website address for more information on EPSRC: www.epsrc.ac.uk/
For more information, contact:
Dr Arlene Astell, School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, E-mail: [email protected], Tel: 44-133-446-2056,
Three images are available from the EPSRC Press Office: contact Lisa Green, E-mail: [email protected], tel: 44-179-344-2806
Suggested captions for images:
Ladies sweeping.jpg: 'The CIRCA system provides old photographs, video footage and music to help dementia sufferers remember the past and engage in conversation with their carers'.
Record Player.jpg and Radio.jpg: 'While the current system draws on images and sounds from the 1930's to the 1960's the content could be tailored to reflect the sort of material likely to appeal to any age group'.
A more detailed feature on this research is available in the next edition of EPSRC's publication 'Newsline'.
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