Article Text
Abstract
Background Dementia presents a major challenge for health care systems with aging populations. Over 46 million people live with dementia worldwide. This is estimated to increase to 131.5 million by 2050 (Prince, Wimo, Guerchet, et al., 2015).
Much of the care for the person with dementia in the early stages takes place at home, therefore, there is a growing need for an evidence-based approach to home support for people with dementia and their carers (Chester, Clarkson, Davies, et al., 2018).
Aims This study will assess the impact of a new, personalised memory games application (App), on the quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia and their carer(s).
Methods This randomised controlled trial involves volunteers as participants (20 intervention group using a personalised App and 10 controls using a non-personalised App) and recruited via study promotion posters and local community organisations.
Apps will present images with associated questions in the form of a quiz. The non-personalised App will use images such as flowers, fruit and geographic locations. Personalisation means the participant, carer or family members will be able to upload their own pictures which are more meaningful to the person with dementia. All study participants will be asked to use their App once a week for six months.
Anticipated Results Engagement with the personalised content in the form of a game might lead to improvement in the QoL of the person with dementia and/or their carer by facilitating and improving communication. Early analysis will be presented at Hospice UK conference.
Conclusions By increasing positive engagement between the person with dementia and their carer/relative via face-to-face and remote engagements, there may be a positive benefit to patients, carers or both.
This study is being funded by Memory Lane Games Limited.