Everyday sounds of dementia

Everyday sounds of dementia

Research into the beneficial effects of everyday sounds.

The 'Everyday Sounds of Dementia' project aims to explore and identify the beneficial effects of everyday sounds for people with dementia.

Based on the extensive evidence on how music provides emotional and behavioral benefits, the 'Everyday Sounds of Dementia' project aims to explore and identify the beneficial effects of everyday sounds for people with dementia. In this project we combine healthcare expertise with design research approaches to establish a knowledge framework of the added value of sound for people with dementia, and to develop and evaluate audio-based technology with a directly meaningful impact in healthcare practice. We take a reciprocal research approach by offering activities with interactive audio-based technology that encourages initiative, playfulness and social engagement.

Main objectives of the project:
1. Investigating the effects of personalized soundscapes on people with dementia and their caregivers.
2. Explore and identify opportunities for audio-based technology and person-centred designs for dementia, using research-by-design approaches.
3. Develop knowledge about collaborative approaches to enable people with dementia and their caregivers to engage in co-design and participatory approaches.

This project is funded by ZonMw Create Health and is a collaboration between Eindhoven University of Technology (Industrial Design Department), Tilburg University (Tranzo), healthcare organization Archipel, Smarter Living Partnership, with external collaboration with healthcare organization Pleyade and the University of Technology Sydney.

Researcher

Maarten Houben

Maarten Houben

Investigate details

  • Researchers involved: Maarten Houben, Rens Brankaert, Gail Kenning, Inge Bongers, and Berry Eggen
  • Period: April 2018 – July 2021
  • Partners: ZonMw Create Health, Eindhoven University of Technology (Industrial Design), Tilburg University (Tranzo) and healthcare organization Archipel

Insights

  • Participatory workshops with the Dementia Soundboard provided insight into how everyday sounds evoke memories, emotional experiences and a sense of social connection during activities in a day care center.
  • Our field study into the use of VITA, an interactive sound cushion, in two healthcare institutions provided insight into how everyday sounds facilitated by VITA stimulate meaningful conversations, playfulness, curiosity and verbal and non-verbal contact in people in advanced stages of dementia.
  • An ongoing field study has shown that there is potential for everyday sounds and design in the home environment to provide social activity through storytelling and exploration of identity and self-image.