A project which uses football to stimulate the minds of dementia
sufferers could be extended abroad after producing "startling" results
at home, a British university said today.
Researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University said showing football
memorabilia to men with the condition stimulated their memories in a
"remarkable" way.
The study, which used match photographs and programmes as the basis
for discussions, found that the men responded well to the memorabilia
and were able to chat to others about their memories of players and
games.
The university said interest in the pilot initiative has already been
expressed as far afield as Canada, where researchers are considering
using ice hockey as the basis for a similar study.
Professor Debbie Tolson, director of the university's Scottish Centre
for Evidence Based Care of Older People, said: "This was a fascinating
study that revealed impressive results.
"The men's life-long interest in football connected them to their
former selves and shared memories. There is very little provided
specifically for men with dementia and this is a welcome and positive
innovation.
"We have had a tremendous response to this research, with Canada
considering adopting the same principle with ice hockey. At the moment, I
am gathering together a group of researchers to mount a proposal to
roll out the concept to other European countries."
The project has been conducted by the university together with the
Scottish Football Museum, Alzheimer Scotland and member clubs of the
Scottish Football Heritage Network.
Former Scotland manager Craig Brown has also given his backing to the
scheme.
Details of the study were released as the World Cup entered the
knock-out stages and England prepared to face Germany in the last 16.
Professor Tolson, a co-researcher on the project, said today: "It's
strange to think that every family who is tuned into the South African
games will know someone with dementia. Around the world there are nearly
25 million people with dementia, with an estimated 4.6 million new
cases per year.
"By listening to men with dementia and family carers we have realised
how little meaningful activity is provided for men that reflect their
past passions.
"In collaboration with the National Scottish Football Museum and
Alzheimer Scotland, preliminary work has indicated that football
focussed reminiscence using photographic images from local clubs and
national collections is a potent trigger for former fans which connects
men to their personal histories and past enjoyments.
"We are currently in discussion with potential European partners to
bid for monies so that we can do research to understand the best way to
help men with dementia through football reminiscence.
"We have been delighted by the level of interest from academic and
clinical researchers within Europe but we recognise that funding is
highly competitive and like today's World Cup hopefuls we will need good
preparation and a little luck to achieve our project goals."
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