New Research: AI and Digital Tech Can Help Workers with Dementia thrive

According to new research from the University of Bath, people with dementia can lead productive working lives in the digital age, dispelling the myth that dementia is incompatible with contemporary technology.

Inequalities for people with different needs may increase as a result of the digital revolution, according to the study "Working Lives with Dementia: A Digital Futures Perspective". By modifying digital tools and workspaces to accommodate workers with dementia, organizations can lessen this impact.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, supports the welfare reform initiatives of the UK government, which seek to keep more disabled people in the workforce.

Dr. James Fletcher, University of Bath School of Management said, "The bottom line is that we have an aging population and workforce in which dementia will feature and which should, and can be, accommodated by the judicious use of digital technology and adapting working conditions. The reality is, this is not dealt with in any meaningful way right now—there are very rarely strategies in place".

He added, "There is widespread prejudice that those with dementia cannot cope with, or benefit from, digital technology, and they often get bundled into the same category as the oldest people. But it's worth putting some perspective on this—an experienced 60-year-old employee with early stage dementia will have grown up through the digital, internet and social media revolutions—and with the right support, they will still have much to offer".

The experience of workers with dementia could be greatly enhanced by minor workplace adjustments, according to lead researcher Dr. Fletcher. Changes like improved lighting, colors and fonts that are dementia-friendly, and digital tools like voice-activated controls, calendars, and automated reminders can have a big impact.

"And AI offers really interesting opportunities—it is superb at solving many of the problems faced by those with dementia, such as finding words, organizing text and putting words in the right sequence. Couple that with the potential offered by hybrid working for those with dementia, and you can see the benefits for both employees and companies", added Dr. Fletcher.

The idea that dementia primarily affects retirees is also contested by the study. According to estimates, 370,000 new cases of young-onset dementia are reported annually, and 9% of the 35.6 million dementia patients worldwide are under 65. The significance of workplace inclusivity for individuals with dementia is highlighted by this study.