ABSTRACT

This paper presents the outcomes of an exploratory study focused on the evaluation of an interactive music exergame for People with Dementia (PwD) and their caregivers. PwD tend to isolate themselves from the outside world, therefore carers need to develop strategies to maintain communication with them. Studies indicate that music–based activities provide an effective way to achieve social interaction with PwD. At the same time, physical activity plays a major role in dementia-related interventions because it can slow down progression and provide meaningful stimulation. Our developed interactive music game bounds these two concerns together; we evaluated the system afterwards regarding its individual and social impact and its integration into the daily routines of both PwD and their caregivers, focusing on its capacity to provide both enjoyment and relief from some of the effects of dementia. Qualitative data collected over 4 months confirmed the valuable impact of music-based interventions of PwD. Of particular note was how PwD used the game to improve or maintain their physical condition while recovering past memories and an interest in social interaction.

摘要

本文介绍了一项探索性研究的结果，该研究侧重于评估痴呆症患者 (PwD) 及其护理人员的互动音乐游戏。残疾人往往与外界隔绝，因此照顾者需要制定策略与他们保持沟通。研究表明，基于音乐的活动是实现与残疾人的社交互动的有效方式。同时，身体活动在痴呆相关干预中发挥着重要作用，因为它可以减缓进展并提供有意义的刺激。我们开发的互动音乐游戏将这两个问题结合在一起；我们随后评估了该系统对个人和社会的影响以及它与残疾人及其护理人员的日常生活的整合，专注于其提供享受和缓解痴呆症某些影响的能力。超过 4 个月收集的定性数据证实了基于音乐的残疾人干预措施的宝贵影响。特别值得注意的是 PwD 如何使用游戏来改善或保持他们的身体状况，同时恢复过去的记忆和对社交互动的兴趣。