Persons with Alzheimer's disease make phone calls independently using a computer-aided telephone system

This study assessed whether four patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease could make independent phone calls via a computer-aided telephone system. The study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. All participants started with baseline during which the telephone system was not available, and continued with intervention in which such system was used. It involved a net-book computer provided with specific software, a global system for mobile communication modem (GSM), a microswitch, and photos of the persons available for the phone calls. All participants learned to use the system and made phone calls independently to a variety of partners such as family members, friends and staff personnel. The positive implications of the system were discussed in relation to previous data in this area and the possibility of helping persons with Alzheimer's disease restore an important, instrumental daily ability and engage in communication with distant partners.

► A computer-aided telephone system was assessed with persons with Alzheimer's disease.
► The participants could select and call specific partners with a microswitch response.
► All participants learned to use the system and made phone calls independently.
► The importance of the system for persons with Alzheimer's disease was discussed.