The Digital Dementia Register Bavaria (digiDEM Bayern) now counts 1,000 study participants from all over Bavaria. The research project, funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care (StMGP), collects long-term data nationwide on the care and treatment of people with dementia and their family caregivers. The goal of digiDEM Bayern is to use the acquired knowledge to improve the living conditions of those affected and to provide them with digital support services.
Since January 2021, digiDEM Bavaria has been surveying people with cognitive impairments and their caregivers and relatives. The scientists are supported by research partners and project assistants from all Bavarian administrative districts. The cooperation partners conduct the surveys in person or virtually on-site. 1,000 people from Bavaria have participated in the project so far.
Bavarian Health and Care Minister Klaus Holetschek says: „I am very pleased that so many citizens are actively participating in the research project.“ He emphasizes: „People with dementia need our full attention. That's why, as part of the Bavarian Dementia Strategy, we are supporting the care research of digiDEM Bayern. DigiDEM Bayern is making an innovative, digital contribution to improving the living conditions of people with dementia and their caregivers.“
With combined strength
„Despite the corona pandemic and lockdown, we have pushed our research project forward. Together with our research partners throughout Bavaria, we have continuously increased the number of study participants through our joint efforts,“ says Prof. Dr. Peter Kolominsky-Rabas, neurologist and one of the project leaders of digiDEM Bavaria. „We are very grateful for the commitment of all participants and research partners so far. Your enthusiastic participation has helped us get through the difficult times.“
Digitalization strategy implemented
To overcome the challenges during the pandemic, digiDEM Bayern focused on digitalization in the area of early dementia detection early on and developed a virtual dementia screening. In addition, a variety of new digital support services emerged. These include the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE), an online questionnaire with which people close to affected individuals can assess their cognitive decline, or the "Angehörigenampel" (Caregiver Traffic Light), a self-test that indicates the degree of personal burden for caregivers through targeted questions. Another example is the Dementia Knowledge Test, with which anyone can check their knowledge about dementia. All digiDEM Bayern services can be used free of charge at https://digidem-bayern.de/digitale-angebote/.
The need for scientifically sound findings on the care situation of people with dementia is particularly great in the rural regions of Bavaria. For further research, digiDEM Bavaria project leader Peter Kolominsky-Rabas appeals to healthcare facilities in all administrative districts: „Become our research partner and actively contribute to increasing knowledge about dementia in your own region and raising awareness for this important issue.“ Because the earlier dementia is recognized, the earlier people with dementia and their loved ones can learn to cope with the symptoms of the disease, and the sooner treatment and support options can be initiated.
