Grandad forgot my name: interactive narratives for dementia support

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Dementia affects over 55 million globally, impacting cognitive functions and straining healthcare systems.
• There is a critical need for accessible, scalable, high-quality dementia support resources for families and caregivers.
• Current resources often fall short in providing comprehensive information and support during the dementia journey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop interactive online learning materials using digital storytelling for dementia support.
• To create resources specifically for individuals newly diagnosed with dementia and for children to understand dementia-related changes.
• To explore the potential of interactive narratives in bridging the gap between initial concerns, diagnosis, and ongoing care.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Twine software to create the digital storytelling resource, "Grandad Forgot My Name."
• Incorporated dementia care narratives, relevant themes, artwork, and branching story pathways.
• Collected user feedback through surveys and monitored usage statistics for iterative content improvement.

Main Results:

• Interactive storytelling platforms like Twine offer a cost-effective method for broad audience reach.
• "Grandad Forgot My Name" demonstrated the effectiveness of reader-centric design and cross-generational communication in engagement.
• Identified challenges in stakeholder adoption and uptake that require resolution for scaled implementation.

Conclusions:

• Digital storytelling holds significant potential for creating impactful dementia support resources.
• Reader-centric design and clear communication are crucial for optimizing engagement in dementia care tools.
• Further development is needed to address adoption barriers and ensure widespread accessibility of such digital health interventions.