The objectives of ENABLE are to:

• develop prototypes and provide test series of enabling technological products
• develop methodology for assessment of effects of using the products, including cost/benefit analysis
• examine whether the products can enable people with dementia living in their own home
• raise awareness about the potentials of such technology

The ENABLE project is concerned with development and adaptation of technological products which people with dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) can use to carry out daily tasks which they previously were unable to do, due to the dementia disease. The selected products fall into three categories:

• devices to support memory (time orientation, taking medicines etc.)
• devices to provide pleasure and comfort (multimedia programmes)
• devices to facilitate communication (pre-programmable telephone)

People with dementia will test the products in practice for up to one year, and effects of using them will be studies through interviews with the users and their carers. Mitigation or solving problems for people with dementia, enhanced self-esteem and well-being as well as costs and benefits at individual and society level will be focused.

Ethical issues will be addressed. Methodology for assessment of effects is being developed as part of the project. The methodology will provide a basis for outlining the protocol for the intervention trial with technological products. It will include a set of methods and tools related to assessment of health condition, body structure and function, personal factors (personality, attitudes, education etc.) as well as environmental factors (home environment, level of care services).

Qualities of the products as well as other factors of importance for the observed effects will be examined. Companies will be contacted to promote the commercialisation of the products that are found useful, user-friendly and acceptable by the user group.

This is the web site of an exciting research project which is aimed at "marrying the new with the familiar" when developing and introducing new technology to people with dementia and their carers.

Funded by the European Commission under the Programme "Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources", Contract No. QLK6 - 2000 - 00653