Telememory – A systematic, automated, digital reminiscence therapy platform for patients with dementia: A pilot project

Reminiscence Therapy (RT) is a therapeutic modality for cognitive stimulation therapy. The difficulty employing this therapy is gathering personal and family memories to engage the patient in life-review. Digital RT (DRT) bypasses these difficulties, allowing family to engage in the creation of digital content designed to highlight patient-specific memories administered via internet and communication technology. The efficacy of DRT has been demonstrated in controlled studies with positive results when compared with traditional reminiscence therapy.[1] The focus is how DRT (a non-pharmacological intervention) reduces dementia related behavior. Based on this previously published research, we share preliminary results utilizing a proprietary platform to administer DRT to dementia patients. We implemented DRT through a novel technology platform. The platform runs on Android-based devices. The solution standardizes collection of patient biographical information through care team interaction. Digital artifacts (photos, music, videos) are assembled through proprietary interfaces to produce a patient-centric DRT session. DRT sessions are shared with patient 3-5 times per week, allowing patient to experience benefits of reminiscence therapy through an automated interface. Minimal on-staff time is needed. Proprietary AI, which is currently being refined, records patient reactions to stimuli presented throughout each session, allowing future sessions to be tailored towards those stimuli producing the highest level of positive response. DRT was administered via the Telememory solution to five (5) patients at skilled nursing facilities. Empirical data concerning mood improvement was gathered remotely and onsite by Telememory and facility staff. Assistance from onsite facility staff was minimal, limited to the initiation of DRT sessions and patient observation. Results were positive. Patients demonstrated consistent mood improvement sessions. In some cases, mood improvement extended beyond treatment. Mood improvement and patient mental status was confirmed by Neuropsychiatric Index evaluations. The quality of outcomes improved with increased patient/family/caregiver memory data input. Patients experienced immediate and post-treatment benefits as observed by onsite caregiver staff. Best results were achieved with closely curated content from each patient's past. Highest cognitive stimulation and mood improvement occurred from the presentation of digital artifacts provided by family members and primary caregivers.