Interactive system design to maintain functionality in FTLD patients

An assistive technology is mented to increase, maintain or extendfunctionality of individuals with disabilities. Medical literature doesnot describe previous adjustment of assistive technologies inpatients with FTLD, however, these have proved to be useful andincrease quality of life in patients with other dementias. Anexperimental longitudinal prospective pilot study was designed inorder to generate assistive technologies for patients with FTLD. Inorder to accomplish a homogeneous samplen=18 patients wereincluded (two patients for each variant, and academic level (3)). Allpatients had a rate of functional decline less than 25% according toBarthel’s scale for daily living activities, Lawton and Brody’s scalefor instrumental activities and the FAQ-1. Previous approval by theEthics Committee at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, and signedconsent form. First, functional and cognitive variables prone tointervention are identified. Then the patent, their family, the designteam and healthcare providers, raise the initial design. The patientswere divided in two groups: executive or linguistic disabilities.Afterwards, patient’s difficulties are translated into a prototypewhich is later adapted tofit each patient. Subjects with executivedisabilities, adapt easier to the prototype (80%p<0.05) while inthose with linguistic disabilities therapeutic support is required foradaptation (60% P,0.05). Assistive technologies are more useful forsubjects with mobility difficulties. Treatment adherence increased to85% and caregivers report less burnout syndrome.