When Familiarity Remains: Procedural Memory, Symbolic Anchors, and Digital Engagement in Dementia Care
Jeongone Seo, Kyung-zoon Hong, Sol Baik
TL;DR
This study investigates how procedural memory and symbolic anchors like photos support digital engagement among older adults with dementia, emphasizing culturally responsive design to improve autonomy and well-being.
Contribution
It reveals the roles of procedural memory and symbolic anchors in maintaining digital use in dementia care, highlighting the importance of culturally adapted technologies.
Findings
Familiar routines like taking photos persist through procedural memory.
Symbolic anchors such as family photos enhance emotional engagement.
Unfamiliar or anthropomorphic tech can cause fear or resistance.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Older adults with early-stage dementia often retain procedural memory, enabling continued use of familiar technologies. Additionally, symbolic anchors such as photos or personalized content may serve as memory cues to reinforce digital engagement. This study explores how these mechanisms support technology use in dementia care within the South Korean context. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 professional caregivers of community-dwelling older adults with cognitive decline. Grounded theory methods guided the analysis, using iterative coding and constant comparison to identify emergent themes. RESULTS: Caregivers reported that familiar digital routines (e.g., taking photos) persisted through procedural memory. Symbolic anchors such as family photos or recognizable icons enhanced interaction and emotional engagement. However, unfamiliar or anthropomorphic…
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Taxonomy
TopicsParticipatory Visual Research Methods