The latest figures from the German Alzheimer Society show that almost 14,000 people in Bremen are affected by Alzheimer’s dementia. Many of them live in their own homes where family and friends support them.
An ongoing project conducted by the University of Bremen is investigating how the surrounding built environment affects the health of people with the disease and those providing care for them. The study also examines the measures the city of Bremen could take to improve the built environment. The project is being funded by the Tönjes-Vagt-Stiftung.

New Questions: Surrounding Resources and Dementia

It has been established that environmental factors can affect the frequency and severity of dementia. This project takes a new perspective by also recording the resources that are available for people with dementia and those providing care. “We systematically evaluated the research literature,” Professor Karin Wolf-Ostermann explains. “In addition to resources we expected to see such as nearby care services, we noticed places that promote social participation – and recreational outdoor exercise – are also important. Now we want to check whether these resources are also available in Bremen and where they are located.”

Got Your Smartphone on You? Project Collects Photos of People with Dementia Going about Their Everyday Lives

Researchers will now work together with people providing care to relatives with dementia to document where such resources, as well as any obstacles, can be found in Bremen. To do so, the research team is looking for caregivers to share information about where resources and barriers exist in the city by sending photos, voice messages, and assessments. “To obtain a good overview of Bremen and to find out where action needs to be taken, we need the perspective of those affected by dementia,” says Professor Benjamin Schüz. “You can easily take part online and help us make Bremen more dementia friendly.”
The collected data will be anonymized and classified by the research project. It will then be processed and presented at a workshop attended by stakeholders from politics, society, and academia in 2023.

Further Information:

Visit this site for further information on the study: www.t1p.de/den-hb Anyone interested in taking part in the study and collecting photos should contact denhbprotect me ?!zfn.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de or call +49 421 218-68901.

http://www.ipp.uni-bremen.de

www.healthsciences.uni-bremen.de

Contact:

Professor Benjamin Schüz
Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research
University of Bremen
Phone: +49 421 218-68831
Email: benjamin.schuezprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de