An adaptive network model for a possible therapy for the effects of a certain type of dementia on social functioning

This paper first describes a temporal-causal network model for recognition of emotions shown by others. The model can show both normal functioning and dysfunctioning, such as can be the case with certain types of dementia. More specifically the focus of the paper is on a specific type of therapy that has been incorporated in the model (thus becoming adaptive) to study the effects and potentials of this therapy to improve the dysfunctional behaviour. Simulations have been performed to test the model. A mathematical analysis was done which gave evidence that the model as implemented does what it is meant to do. The model can be applied to obtain a virtual patient model to study the way in which recognition of emotions can deviate for certain types of persons, and what a therapy can contribute to improve the situation.