Attention in AgeingAttention is understood as a process which enables us to adequately function in a highly perceptual stimulus-driven world. Ideally, we are able to selectively attend to what we want and need to, and inhibit our attention from irrelevant stimuli. Attention can be consciously paid to something but can also be involuntarily diverted, for instance to a sudden loud noise. Our research interests are in the relationship between attention and ageing. Specifically, attention potentially being an early marker of cognitive impairment.
Collaborative work with computer scientists Thanks to the Swansea University Escalator Fund we have had the pleasure of collaborating with colleagues in computer science to carry out an inter-disciplinary research project on ageing, iPad use, and interface design. We ran a series of focus groups with older and younger adults looking at their experience and understanding of iPad use in general, and specifically their experience of using a test of 'attention' designed by a member of the research team. Areas of interest:
Jenkins, A., Lindsay, S., Eslambolchilar, P., Thornton, I.M., and Tales, A. (2016). Administering cognitive tests through touch screen tablet devices: potential issues. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 54(3), 1169-82. DOI 10.3233/JAD-160545 Jenkins, A., Eslambolchilar, P., Lindsay, S., Hare, M., Thornton, I.M., and Tales, A. (2016). Attitudes towards Attention and Ageing: What Differences between Younger and Older Adults Tell Us about Mobile Technology Design, IJMHCI: Special Issue Submission: Reimagining Interfaces for Older Adults, 8(2), pp.47-68. DOI:10.4018/IJMHCI.2016040103 Collaborators: Dr Parisa Eslambolchilar (Associate Professor) - http://www.cs.swan.ac.uk/~csparisa/ Dr Stephen Lindsay - http://www.swansea.ac.uk/staff/science/computer-science/s.c.lindsay/ Professor Ian Thornton - http://ianthornton.com/ |
I presented a snapshot of this preliminary work at the 2014 OMICS Group International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, Valencia, Spain. Here I was presented with an award for 'Best Young Researcher' for my oral presentation. Please see my Research Gate profile for the abstract https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amy_Jenkins2 |