Dementia-Friendly Transportation Services: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Transportation Studies

Background:

• Transportation is vital for dementia-friendly communities, enabling mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with dementia.
• Ensuring access to transportation services is a right for people living with dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the existing literature on dementia-friendly transportation services.
• To explore the characteristics of these services to guide future research and development.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of empirical quantitative and qualitative studies in English or French.
• Searched 15 databases, with independent screening and data charting by two authors.
• Findings were synthesized using a narrative approach.

Main Results:

• Thirty-five studies analyzed transportation dimensions: availability, accessibility, acceptability, adaptability, and affordability.
• Identified the importance of staff training and attitudes.
• Highlighted challenges in rural areas regarding affordable services and emerging needs for quiet transit areas and mobility management.

Conclusions:

• The literature underscores the importance of dementia-friendly transportation for maintaining mobility.
• The current scientific literature has limitations and a need for more research.
• Best practices for dementia-friendly transportation services require further demonstration.