Consider potential benefits in family carers when persons with dementia use technology
Guidance
When persons with dementia use technology for meaningful activities this may not only impact their own quality of life but also the well-being of their (primary) family carers.
Explanation and example
In the exergamingPhysical exercise interactively combined with cognitive stimulation in a gaming environment (e.g., Wii Fit©). Exergaming relies on technology that tracks the participants’ body movement or reactions, which are fed back into the digital game, influencing the course of the game that is shown on the screen. project, people with dementia were engaged in an exergamingPhysical exercise interactively combined with cognitive stimulation in a gaming environment (e.g., Wii Fit©). Exergaming relies on technology that tracks the participants’ body movement or reactions, which are fed back into the digital game, influencing the course of the game that is shown on the screen. activity or activities as usual in day care centres. We studied the effects on persons with dementia as well as on their family carers. In carers, positive effects were found in favour of the exergamingPhysical exercise interactively combined with cognitive stimulation in a gaming environment (e.g., Wii Fit©). Exergaming relies on technology that tracks the participants’ body movement or reactions, which are fed back into the digital game, influencing the course of the game that is shown on the screen. intervention, i.e. on the carers’ distress related to their relative’s neuropsychiatric symptoms and the carers’ sense of competence (after a three months intervention period).
Themes
Carers' well-being Dementia Effectiveness Exergaming
Target groups
Care organizations & professionals Day-care centre volunteers, employees & managers ResearchersType of evidence
Joeke van Santen (INDUCT ESR7)
Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT)
References
Van Santen, J., Dröes, R. M., Twisk, J. W., Henkemans, O. A. B., van Straten, A., & Meiland, F. J. (2020). Effects of Exergaming on Cognitive and Social Functioning of People with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 21(12):1958-1967.e5. ISSN 1525-8610, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2020.04.018
As training manager of INDUCT, I am responsible for the overall coordination and organization of the individual and network-wide training of our 15 ESRs. My main task is the organization of five INDUCT Summer and Winter Schools. Together with the local and management team, we identify needs and interests among the ESRs, compose a varied program for the week including training sessions, project meetings and social and networking events, invite academic and non-academic expert speakers, organize practical matters, and afterwards we evaluate the event, write a report, and try to incorporate all suggestions in our future training events.