Authors (including presenting author) :
KAM KW(1); ZHANG SW(1); CHEUNG MY(1); LAU CC(2); YIP KW(3)
Affiliation :
(1) Patient Resource Centre, TMH (2) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, TMH (3) Jockey Club Kin Sang Youth S.P.O.T. HKFYG
Introduction :
Dementia, characterized with ongoing brain functioning decline, is affecting 55 million people globally. It was projected that the number of dementia patients will double every decade, reaching 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050, associating with a significant increase in healthcare cost. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as reminiscence therapy, has be proven effectively enhancing patients' quality of life and reduce depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Between January 2023 to December 2024, the Department of Medicine & Geriatrics(M&G) and the Patient Resources Centre(PRC) in Tuen Mun Hospital have partnered with a youth center to implement a two-year project, that integrated reminiscence therapy elements and artificial intelligence (A.I.), providing alternate intervention options to patients with mild dementia (PWD).
Objectives :
‒ To develop youth volunteers’ network in assisting activities with reminiscence therapy elements and AI for PWD
‒ To improve the cognitive, emotional and overall well-being of PWD
‒ To raise public awareness on dementia care through community exhibitions
Methodology :
PWD and their caregivers were recruited through M&G for the project, with youth volunteers matched to the corresponding families. The initiative included volunteer training, life review sessions, digital story creation using AI, and public education. Youth volunteers were trained to conduct life review interviews, helping PWD recall significant memories. They also learned AI-based multimedia production techniques. Life stories were captured using 360-degree camera, enhanced with Adobe Photoshop A.I. to incorporate meaningful objects, sounds and locations of the patients. The final stories, presented as videos and large books, were showcased at NTWC hospitals to raise community awareness about dementia and promote a dementia-friendly community. Feedback was collected from patients, youth volunteers and staff after services.
Result & Outcome :
80 youth volunteers from secondary schools, 30 PWD and 30 caregivers participated in the project. 30 life story videos were created and six exhibitions attracted over 1,000 attendees. The life interviews helped evoke positive memories and strengthened bonds between PWD and their caregivers. Youth volunteers facilitated intergenerational discourse and provided social support, supported by the medical team’s clinical expertise. The exhibitions enhanced public awareness and fostered empathetic understanding of PWD experiences. By leveraging youth involvement and technology, this initiative exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to dementia care, showcasing the transformative potential of innovative approach on patient experiences.
