DigIDe - Digital Tool for Early Detection of Dementia in People with Intellectual Disabilities
The increasing life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities and thus also the rise in age-related diseases, especially dementia, represents an enormous challenge for caregivers in disability care. By 2030, every second resident in residential homes for people with disabilities will be 60 years or older and belongs to the risk group for developing dementia.
The intensity of care and support required in connection with dementia in people with intellectual disabilities is significantly higher than in the case of non-dementia people with intellectual disabilities and represents a considerable additional burden on caregivers. Since the development of dementia is often very slow and gradual, it is not always clear to caregivers when dementia is imminent. However, early detection of dementia is necessary to be able to react to the challenges in care and support at an early stage and in a prepared manner, thus reducing physical and psychological stress.
The aim of this project is to design a digital tool for the early detection of dementia in people with intellectual disabilities and to develop a prototype for this purpose. This should minimize stressful situations that arise for caregivers due to dementia symptoms in people with intellectual disabilities and clarify possibilities for support and assistance. The tool will be developed in a participatory process with all stakeholders involved and is intended to facilitate everyday life for caregivers and expand their observation and communication options.
In designing the digital tool, particular attention is paid to the fact that it can be applied and used by caregivers of persons with disabilities without diagnostic knowledge. In addition, it should enable documentation of progress and use as an information tool for two-way communication. The tool strengthens the diagnostic capabilities of caregivers, facilitates observation, supports documentation and internal information sharing, identifies support options and reduces the burden on caregivers in everyday life.
Project Leader: Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in phil. Barbara Gasteiger-Klicpera
Project Staff: Dominik Pendl, BA MSc., Annalisa La Face, mag. Dott.ssa
Contact: Dominik Pendl, BA MSc
Partner Organizations:
Lebenshilfen Soziale Dienste GmbH
Lebenswelten der Barmherzigen Brüder – Steiermark