DECOHDE – Design for a humanised communication of dementia

Dementia, a syndrome progressively impacting cognitive abilities and behavior, stands as a significant cause of dependency in aging populations, affecting 10 million individuals in Europe. Portugal, ranking fourth in prevalence among OECD countries, grapples with a lack of information on active engagement for persons with dementia. In response, the DECOHDE project emerges, dedicated to meticulously designing information resources for this demographic. Anchored in person-centered care, rights-based dementia approach, and inclusive design, DECOHDE aims to co-create a dementia-friendly information platform prototype. Through qualitative methodologies and expert involvement, the project seeks to redefine societal perceptions of dementia, empower individuals, and bridge the knowledge gap for both persons with dementia and their caregivers. The anticipated outcomes include a tangible prototype and a publication outlining best practices for designers and information providers in this specialized field. DECOHDE aspires to pioneer a future where dementia-friendly information is not only informative but also emotionally resonant, fostering a more humane understanding of dementia.