Designing to Support People with Dementia

Leading the way for new life

A female nurse sat talking and smiling to a male patient

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A key focus for the University is supporting people to live well and age well. In the UK, 900,000 people are living with dementia. This will rise to 1.6 million by 2040. So, the need to support people will become greater. There are over 30,000 people aged 65 and over living with dementia in Greater Manchester. Continuing to live well after diagnosis is crucial. 

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A diagnosis of dementia can be devastating for people and their families. It is important that they can accept, adjust, and maintain a quality of life with the condition.

The ‘All About Us’ board game was developed involving people with dementia and a range of experts to support this.  

The mindful life-storytelling game helps to boost the self-confidence and well-being of people with dementia as they adjust to their diagnosis.

Using questions to start conversations enables players to talk about their past and think about what is important to them in the present and future. 

The All About Us board game. It features a colourful path from start to finish.

Professor Niedderer from Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Art developed the game with the University of Wolverhampton, Alzheimer Europe, and healthcare services across Europe including the NHS, design agencies and several universities. The game is effective because the development process involved people with dementia.  

As the Professor of Design at the University and the lead researcher on the multinational MinD – Designing for People with Dementia project, Professor Niedderer said: “The All About Us game has been evaluated in four countries with promising results. 

We hope that people enjoy the game and that it makes a meaningful difference in their lives. The aim is to give people greater positivity and confidence to manage their lives after diagnosis.
Professor Niedderer

“People with dementia who played the game in day groups with other people with dementia and caregivers felt that it was enjoyable. It enabled them to share experiences, learn from and get to know others.  

“Players enjoyed the social interaction and felt that it could help people get out of isolation and think about the future with others. We hope that people enjoy the game and that it makes a meaningful difference in their lives. The aim is to give people greater positivity and confidence to manage their lives after diagnosis.”   

The Alzheimer’s Society has recognised the co-design expertise of the project. They reference the MinD co-design guides in their ‘Dementia and co-creation’ guide and MinD was asked to be an advisor in its production.  

The MinD Persona Toolkit has also been shared as a resource by the World Health Organisation. This highlights the vital role that design plays in the creation of products and services to improve people’s well-being. 

Headshot of Professor Niedderer
Professor Niedderer

Research published in the Journal of Ageing Studies evidences the benefits of the game. Participants found it enjoyable and that it helped them learn and accept their situation. They also found that looking into the future together with others could be helpful. 

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