design Network Aging Research - Heidelberg University

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Subject/Topic I Raising Awareness for Dementia in Deaf Older Adults in Europe

Funding I Erasmus⁺, Duration I 2022-2025

Project description:
International organisations have suggested that the provision of a diagnosis of dementia should be considered as a human right (Alzheimer's Disease International, 2020). Timely diagnosis of dementia is a key priority for many countries around the world (Alzheimer's Disease International, 2020), as it is a gateway to a number of services that support better quality of life, such as access to proper medication, time to plan for future care preferences and opportunities to express needs, wants and aspirations (Robinson et al. 2011). Identification of early signs of dementia among family, friends and communities plays a very important role in early diagnosis. Supporting early detection encompasses public education programs and good access to information (Alzheimer's Disease International 2011). However, poor access to health‐related information in sign languages has been identified as a significant inequality for Deaf communities around the world (Fellinger et al. 2012, Sign Health 2014) and up to this moment awareness of the early signs of dementia is very low among the Deaf communities.

Deaf people's identities lie at the intersection of culture and disability (Corker 1998). To be Deaf is a culturally determined definition; it is not an audiological one. However, in most cases, social policies and laws address Deaf people largely in terms of equality regarding disability (Equality Act 2010). The objectives of the project are twofold: a) the development of a new, comprehensive, technologically enhanced method for dementia screening in older Deaf adults in two Sign Languages (Austrian and Greek) and b) a non-formal educational program addressed to the whole Deaf community and experts, aiming at:

promoting and highlighting dementia awareness in the Deaf Community
familiarizing experts with the screening test and its functionalities
raising awareness among experts and the Deaf community about Deaf culture, dementia, as well as about the importance its early screening in Deaf older adults
disseminating the screening test to the Deaf community
performing a pilot non-formal training on the test and its functionalities to native fluent GSL signers that are not experts in order to upskill the Greek Deaf Community with skills and knowledge that will promote their well-being.

Project coordination:

Dr. Birgit Teichmann – Biologist (Diploma), Gerontologist M.Sc.
Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University