My PATI
My Person Assisted Touchscreen Interface, or My PATI, is an alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) software for people with dementia that has been developed and tested with funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
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Two Supportive Interfaces
Prior research shows that even with moderate to severe cognitive impairment can make choices about daily care and that they can effectively use AAC devices to support communication.
One of the two interfaces for My PATI is designed for the person with memory problems to use alone for recreation or with others for engagement. There, the interface can be customized with the person's favorite music, videos, and photos to support engaging discussions between the person with impairment and others. It can also be used to briefly distract the person with impairment to support respite for the care partner or to reduce agitation that may occur throughout the day. ​
The second My PATI interface is designed to support family or professional caregivers in daily care activities and also tracks clinical information about the person with dementia. Caregivers can fully customize this interface with photos of the person's clothing, favorite foods, preferred grooming activities, and recreational activities. During care activities, the caregiver can provide choice in clothing, food during mealtimes, or activities to help the person with dementia make a selection of their preferences by touching the tablet screen when memory or cognitive challenges make it difficult for them to verbalize their choice. Similarly, the person with impairment can indicate their mood and sleep quality by touching graphics on the screen.
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How is My PATI different from other communication apps?
Mock-up example of My PATI interface for offering breakfast food choices.