Challenges in Transportation System to Support Independent Mobility of People with Dementia

Abstract

The demographic change in view of the aging population leads to people suffering from dementia worldwide. In order to maintain the social participation of this group of persons and thus their mobility for as long as possible, it is important to deal with social aspects of dementia. In this context, the preservation of independent mobility of people with dementia is also important. The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a qualitative study, in which barriers for traffic participation have been identified from the perspectives of experts, caregivers, and patients. In order for dementia patients to have a sense of security and orientation, spaces should be constructed so that certain patterns can be aligned with dementia patient's cognitive capabilities. The paper distinguishes different forms of barriers, such as cognitive (e.g. information overload, spatial-visual impairment, situational complexity), social (e.g. stigmatization, cognitively or emotionally induced conflicts) and physical barriers which are specific for dementia.