HOME BASED ATTENTIONAL TRAINING FOR OLDER ADULTS

许多老年人感觉和认知功能下降，这可能导致日常活动困难增加。一项对保持独立性至关重要的日常活动是开车。行动能力对于维持社会联系和令人满意的生活质量至关重要，而行动能力丧失往往导致需要正规护理。因此，推广安全移动的有效方法可能会产生深远的影响。本研究的重点是评估以家庭为基础的干预计划的可行性，以提高安全驾驶所需的认知功能。先前的工作产生了“视觉注意力分析器”，目前被雇主、医生、机动车辆部门和其他卫生保健专业人员使用。该设备既可用于驾驶员筛查，也可提供认知训练，以提高安全移动所需的技能。第一阶段申请的目的是审查修改现有培训方案的可行性。目前的培训方案需要一台电脑和经过认证的培训师，以便在家中进行自我管理。这种产品如果最终开发出来并在第二阶段证明是有效的，将提供一种低成本和方便的手段，将这种干预措施分发给更广泛的人群。建议的商业应用：该产品最终将提供给所有司机，或那些对改善认知功能感兴趣的个人。我们目前正在与几家保险公司（Safeco， Allstate和State Farm）讨论这个潜在的产品，他们会考虑降低通过筛选测试的被保险人的保费。这些公司将与国家安全委员会合作，在第二阶段展示其有效性。

Many older adults experience declines in sensory and cognitive function which can result in increased difficulty with everyday activities. One everyday activity, which is crucial to maintaining independence, is driving. Mobility is critical for maintaining social contacts and a satisfying quality of life, and mobility loss frequently results in the need for formal care. Therefore, effective methods for extending safe mobility could have far- reaching consequences. The focus of the proposed research is to evaluate the feasibility of a home based intervention program to enhance the cognitive functions needed to drive safely. Prior work has resulted in the "Visual Attention Analyzer," which is currently used by employers, physicians, Departments of Motor Vehicles, and other health care professionals. This device is used for both driver screening and to provide cognitive training to improve the skills needed for safe mobility. The Phase I application aims to examine the feasibility of modifying the existing training protocol, which currently requires a computer and certified trainer, for self-administration at home. This product, if ultimately developed and demonstrated to be effective in Phase II, would provide a low cost and convenient means for distributing this intervention to a broader segment of the population than would otherwise be served. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: This product would ultimately be made available for all drivers, or those individuals interested in improving cognitive function. We are currently discussing this potential product with several insurance companies (Safeco, Allstate, and State Farm) who would consider reducing the premiums of their insureds who could pass the screening test. These companies, in conjunction with the National Safety Council will collaborate on demonstrating effectiveness in Phase II.