Technology for enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for people living with dementia
F. Abujarad (Convener)
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AbstractParticipants: F. Abujarad (the United States of America), A. Agboji (Canada), S. Freeman (Canada), H. H. Nap (Netherlands), A. Moreno (Canada). ISSUE Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, and a major contributor to increased vulnerability for adults who require the help of a caregiver for maintaining a daily quality of life prior to condition onset (WHO 2023). In Canada, it is projected that nearly 1 million people will be living with dementia by 2030, and in the United States, trends predict that over 9 million Americans will have dementia by 2030 (Alzheimer Society of Canada 2022, Population Reference Bureau 2021). Additionally, the population in the Netherlands is expected to double by 2050 (Alzheimer Europe 2019). Technology can play a significant role in easing the burden of a myriad of issues related to dementia, such as improving mental health and improving the relationship between the caregiver and person with dementia. CONTENT Our symposium is designed to bring together speakers from Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States of America to highlight the theme of utilizing technology to improve and enhance the wellbeing of people living with dementia. The speakers will discuss topics of 1) a digital elder abuse intervention for use with older adults living with dementia, 2) mitigating apathy using eReader technology for persons with dementia, 3) the use of various AgeTech solutions to enhance both the care and quality of life of persons living with dementia, and 4) a theoretical model for the development and introduction of gerontechnologies for use with older adult-caregiver dyads. STRUCTURE Abujarad will introduce the digital elder abuse project called VOICES, a web-based screening intervention designed for a tablet interface that combines education, screening, and brief psychoeducational interviewing to enhance detection of abuse among older adults living with dementia in the emergency department setting. Agboji will discuss using eReaders to improve apathy symptoms among people with dementia, and the implications for integrating this technology into daily routines. Freeman will present on how AgeTech such as a hydroponic gardening wall, circadian lighting, and a virtual exercise program can benefit persons living with dementia to support their health and wellbeing, as well as the barriers associated with this technology. Moreno will introduce a theoretical model representing the journey of individuals living with dementia, as well as their caregivers, and their relationship with gerontechnologies and how the use of gerontechnology can be beneficial and adapted throughout the progression of an older adults’ dementia. Finally, Nap will discuss a case study on improving acceptance and compatibility with socially assistive robots using co-design methods based on user needs.Keywords: dementia, cognitive impairment, digital solutions, AgeTech, gerontechnology
F. Abujarad (Convener) (2024). Technology for enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for people living with dementia. Gerontechnology, 23(2), 1-1
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2024.23.s.944.1.sp