Interactive Soundscape Tabletop to Promote Immersive Sound Experiences for People Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers

Abstract

Music interventions have been proven effective in activating people living with dementia, even in the advanced stages of the disease. Alongside music, sound-based activities are vital for the care of those affected. However, the use of sound-based activities in the daily care of people living with dementia is challenging and lacks research. To address this gap, sound-related interactive media can play a significant role. Currently, existing systems rarely allow individuals with dementia to create personalized sound experiences. In the DIDEM project, we are exploring digital solutions in a participatory development process to improve everyday sound experiences for people with dementia. In this demonstration, we introduce a prototype of an interactive soundscape tabletop designed specifically for collaborative activities with people living with dementia within institutional settings.