Use of Cognitive Aids and Other Assistive Technology by Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
By Johnson, Kurt L.; Bamer, Alyssa M.; Yorkston, Kathryn M.; Amtmann, Dagmar; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 1-8Publication Date: January 2009
Study investigated the needs and use of assistive technology (AT) and examined correlates of use of memory aids and cognitive strategies in community-dwelling individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Study participants were 1,063 respondents to a survey sent to self-identified individuals with MS through the Washington state chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Mean age of participants, 198 of whom were men, was about 60 years. The survey assessed use of AT as well as depression, fatigue, mobility, and other demographic and disease-related variables. Survey results revealed that 70.2 percent of respondents used memory strategies such as a daily planner. Walking aids were used by 50.7 percent of respondents, and electronic memory aids such as computers, pocket PCs and cell phones by 41.6 percent. Mobility aids, home modifications, and bathroom aids were also used by a significant number of individuals. Variables found to be significantly associated with memory aids use included age, education, fatigue, and difficulties thinking. Endorsement of any difficulties thinking was found to be the most influential with odds of memory aids use being twice that of respondents without such difficulties. Respondents who were older, unemployed, more depressed, and had more mobility disability were less likely to use memory strategies.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
