Developing a digital game to improve public perception of dementia

Background: There is a pressing need to ensure that generations understand what dementia is and how to support people in the community
living with dementia. Whilst this is slowly being addressed more is
needed to enable people with dementia to receive the respect and support they need to continue to live active and healthy lives. Digital gaming
is becoming a common way to educate and train healthcare professionals and the public about different healthcare topics. Therefore, the aim
of this study is to develop an initial version of a digital game that will
improve public perception about dementia.
Aims: To develop an initial version of a digital game that will improve
public perception about dementia.
Methods: Focus groups were conducted with people living with dementia to share emotionally significant experiences of life in their community. Key themes from these stories were used as prompts in a co-design
workshop with university students and people with dementia in developing the priorities and objectives of the game. Further co-design workshops were held to develop the game content and design. An initial
version of the game was then tested with local university students who
completed a questionnaire before and after using the game to see if
their awareness of dementia had changed.
Results: Four focus groups were held with 20 people living with dementia.
Three key themes from these meetings consisting of 30 key points were
used in the game co-design workshops. The initial version of the game was
played by 1000 students, of these nearly 500 completed both questionnaires. Significant improvement in dementia awareness has been found.
Conclusion / discussion: The initial version of the game has proved a
success not only with the co-design process used but, it has also given
players an improved awareness of dementia. The game now needs to be
developed into a final version and tested with a wider range of people in
the community.