Do Technical Advances Confuse Alzheimer’s Patients?

A reader’s comment regarding the post about talking aids for Alzheimer’s patients, caused me to wonder if these technical advances assisted the caregiver most.  Would they confuse or irritate the patient instead of guiding him/her?

Looking back on my aunt and mom’s situations, I realize that instructions like the talking aids might have helped guide them in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s.  However, someone would have had to explain thoroughly who/what was speaking. 

When Alzheimer’s patients becomes scared because they don’t recognize that person in the bathroom mirror, what would happen when a voice suddenly spoke to instruct them about washing their face…and no one was in evidence?

If an Alzheimer’s patient could be guided to use this technology, it would be a great help for the caregiver so they don’t have to keep repeating themselves.  That became very frustrating (but taught me patience) when I cared for Mother and Auntie.  I almost felt I needed a button I could push to repeat directions over and over.  Five minutes later, no, two minutes later, they’d ask me the same question.

Perhaps the talking  aids could be made using the caregiver’s voice.  Then the voice wouldn’t be so startling to the Alzheimer’s patient.

What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of  this new technology for assisting Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers?