Biodynamic light to support ageing in place for people living with dementia: An explorative longitudinal single-case experimental design in three persons

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, people ageing in place become the new normal. For people with dementia, ageing in place is not that self-evident. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia like aberrant motor behaviour are often associated with placement in long-term care facilities. Nowadays mental health care not only focuses on intramural care but also provides personalized care and support for community-dwelling people with dementia. Mental care and support in a home setting could be difficult, fortunately, assistive technology has great potential in fostering independent living and improving mental and physical health. Biodynamic lighting could be a promising technological innovation for home use to support people with dementia. Objective : This study explores the influence of biodynamic lighting on aberrant motor behaviour over time in people living with dementia at home. Method: This study uses an A-B-A-B withdrawal single-case experimental design of three persons living at home with dementia. Results : Although differences between biodynamic light and placebo light with respect to aberrant motor behaviour did not reach significance, a trend was seen in the stabilization of aberrant motor behaviour over time. All participants subjectively reported positive effects of the biodynamic light. Conclusion: As this research was merely explorative, future research should examine whether this intervention contributes to ageing in place for people living with dementia. However, this study showed that it is feasible to adopt these kinds of interventions in a home situation.