SETU lecturer collaborates with Alzheimer Society of Ireland to empower people living with dementia through technology.
Dr Christa de Brún a lecturer in the Department of Arts, School of Humanities at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford has collaborated with Alzheimer Society of Ireland to develop a literary hub for those living with dementia.
Creative arts therapy
Research has proven that creative arts therapy can be beneficial for people living with dementia. Such therapies engage attention, provide pleasure, and may improve symptoms such as anxiety and apathy. Literature can also be helpful in gaining an understanding of how the person with dementia is feeling, allowing people with dementia an outlet that they may not otherwise have.
Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides dementia specific services and supports in local communities, and advocates for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.
Digital inclusion project
The literary hub is part of the Virtual Dementia hub, a digital inclusion project by Alzheimer Society of Ireland to empower people living with Dementia through technology. Here users can find music, puzzles, activity packs, and now literature to enjoy at their leisure.
Through the hub users can explore poetry and stories from some of Ireland's most acclaimed writers including Booker Prize nominated Claire Keegan, Annemarie Ni Churréain, Joseph O'Connor, Catherine Anne Cullen and many more.
Speaking of her work on the project Dr de Brún said, “It was a great privilege to curate the literary hub for Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Research shows that the creative arts can provide great solace to those living with dementia. This hub features Ireland's leading poets and writers and I am grateful for their generous contributions which will greatly enrich the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.”
The literary hub can be accessed free of charge online at: https://virtualdementiahub.ie/