[Accesibility and usability of computer-based cognitive stimulation: Telecognitio].
BACKGROUND
Despite of the huge technological advance in the field of computer-based cognitive interventions, very few applications have been designed to be used by the elderly. The main objective of this study was to assess the adaptability of two psycho-stimulation applications used in geriatrics. A further aim was to design a table of the minimum requirements to be met through the use of these applications in a small sample of elders. In addition, Telecognitio-an application with some interesting functionalities-is presented.


METHODS
We performed a pilot test of two cognitive intervention tools, which were evaluated by a sample of elderly people through a specifically designed questionnaire. A descriptive study of the results was performed, as well as of the possible correspondence between the subjects' cognitive status and the results.


RESULTS
The results of this study indicate that, in general, elderly people and especially those with cognitive impairment had difficulties in understanding the instructions for the various activities, as well as little time to answer the questions. In the case of a touch screen, errors occurred, both due to accuracy and pulse time, although this device is more intuitive than the conventional mouse.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-based cognitive stimulation and evaluation applications will become widely used among the elderly. Therefore, these applications should be adapted for universal accessibility and usability.
González-Abraldes
Isabel
I
Grupo de Investigación en Gerontología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, A Coruña, España. igonzalezabraldes@udc.es
Millán-Calenti
José Carlos
JC
Balo-García
Aranzazu
A
Tubío
Javier
J
Lorenzo
Trinidad
T
Maseda
Ana
A
D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted