Being a pedestrian with dementia: A qualitative study using photo documentation and focus group interviews

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Traffic Safety

Background:

• Community-dwelling individuals with dementia frequently navigate public spaces as pedestrians.
• Zebra crossings present unique challenges for individuals with cognitive impairments, impacting their safety and independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify problematic traffic situations encountered by people with dementia at zebra crossings.
• To understand how individuals with dementia interpret and respond to these challenges, considering their cognitive state and past experiences.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative grounded theory approach was employed.
• Analysis of film sequences from five zebra crossings.
• Focus group and individual interviews with persons with dementia, using film sequences as stimuli.

Main Results:

• A core category identified the hazard of unfolding traffic situations when focus is limited to one layer at a time.
• Problematic situations comprised layers including street layout, weather, vehicles, and pedestrian density.
• Identified actions included avoidance, using traffic lights, following pedestrian flow, and exercising caution.

Conclusions:

• The experiences and coping strategies of people with dementia at zebra crossings are critical.
• Healthcare professionals and caregivers should integrate this understanding into support strategies for community-dwelling individuals with dementia.