Development and evaluation of an interactive computer-based training as a rehabilitation tool for dementia

In this chapter the conception and implementation of MultiTask, a tool for interactive computer based memory training, is introduced. MultiTask is a menu-driven program and is to be understood as an experimental instrument for easy creation of a great variety of stimulus configurations and production of tasks for various forms of training. It is especially designed to enable generation of environmental settings, comparable to real life "household" settings in order to maximise carry over of the training effects. Furthermore, we examined the effectiveness of an interactive memory training for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia based on the computer program MultiTask. Subjects (Ss) were 14 mild to moderate cognitive impaired adults aged above 65. The training consisted of ten 30-minute sessions designed to improve immediate and delayed retention of objects and routes All training tasks were based upon a virtual, but familiar, apartment with several rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and corridor). Control Ss took part in a chat with a psychologist. The evaluation based on standardised psychometric tests revealed a positive effect of the computer-based training on certain domains of memory specifically in the targeted areas.