Two examples of online eHealth platforms for supporting people living with cognitive impairments and their caregivers

This paper compares two methodological approaches derived from the EU Horizon 2020 funded projects CAREGIVERSPROMMD (C-MMD)1 and ICT4LIFE2. Both approaches were initiated in 2016 with the ambition to provide new integrated care services to people living with cognitive impairments, including Dementia, Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, as well as to their home caregivers towards a long-term increase in quality of life and autonomy at home. An outline of the disparities and similarities related to non-pharmacological interventions introduced by the two projects to foster treatment adherence was made. Both approaches have developed software solutions, including social platforms, notifications, Serious Games, user monitoring and support services aimed at developing the concepts of self-care, active patients and integrated care. Besides their differences, both projects can be benefited by knowledge and technology exchange, pilot results sharing and possible user's exchange if possible in the near future.

[1]  Markus Böhm,et al.  RHAPSODY – Internet-based support for caregivers of people with young onset dementia: program design and methods of a pilot study , 2016, International Psychogeriatrics.

[2]  D. Felce,et al.  Quality of life: its definition and measurement. , 1995, Research in developmental disabilities.

[3]  Dimitrios Tzovaras,et al.  Robot's Workspace Enhancement with Dynamic Human Presence for Socially-Aware Navigation , 2017, ICVS.

[4]  Bob Woods,et al.  Access to timely formal dementia care in Europe: protocol of the Actifcare (ACcess to Timely Formal Care) study , 2016, BMC Health Services Research.

[5]  Elizabeth White,et al.  A Review of Occupational Therapy Research and Development Activity in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales , 2013 .

[6]  Reinhard Guss,et al.  A Guide to Psychosocial Interventions in Early Stages of Dementia , 2014 .

[7]  Naaheed Mukadam,et al.  Systematic review of the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to improve quality of life of people with dementia , 2012, International Psychogeriatrics.

[8]  Martin Orrell,et al.  Valuing active life in dementia (VALID): community occupational therapy in dementia , 2013 .

[9]  Rose-Marie Dröes,et al.  User evaluation of the DEMentia-specific Digital Interactive Social Chart (DEM-DISC). A pilot study among informal carers on its impact, user friendliness and, usefulness , 2010, Aging & mental health.

[10]  M. Jahanshahi,et al.  A randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate a technology platform for the assisted living of people with dementia and their carers. , 2014, Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD.