The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for the assessment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders

The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether ICT can contribute to the clinical assessment of cognitive, behavioural and functional changes in patients with Alzheimer ’s disease (AD) and related disorders, particularly in their early stages. For this purpose, the use of ICT for assessment in clinical practice, particularly for the case of apathy was reviewed as well as basic recommendations concerning the development and the use of ICT for AD and related disorders were defined. Furthermore, different sensor-based assessment methods were investigated. Finally, the use of ICT within clinical trials for endpoint measures and follow-up were considered. Recommendations were likewise proposed and presented for the use of ICT-based Serious Games as a potential early intervention tool for patients.