The unique training programme of INDUCT

INDUCT offered their Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), a well-rounded training programme consisting of individual, local and network-wide skills training. Within INDUCT, we envisioned three levels of training, including (1) dementia care-specific research skills training, (2) transferable skills training and (3) individualised research training specific for each ESR. Five INDUCT schools were organised over three years in close collaboration with the European INTERDEM Academy training and capacity building network for early career researchers. During these schools, expertise was shared within training, project and network activities. Furthermore, secondments at non-academic next to academic partners prepared INDUCT ESRs for future employment in academia, healthcare, industry or non-profit sector. This European Innovative Training Network (ITN; since 2021 we speak about Doctoral Networks) leads the world in providing a model for interdisciplinary knowledge transfer from academia into non-academic sectors and is best placed to disseminate the knowledge across Europe and beyond

Exergaming as meaningful activity for people with dementia: evaluation of effect and implementation

Exergaming is a meaningful activity in which physical exercises are combined with cognitive stimulation in a gaming environment. It is feasible for people with dementia and can help overcome barriers to stay active. This study aimed to get insight into the effects of exergaming in people with dementia visiting day-care centres and their family caregivers compared to usual activities in day-care centres. Also, issues in implementation of exergaming were assessed. Twenty day-care centres participated with in total 112 couples of people with dementia and informal carers. Positive effects were found on cognition and social functioning in people with dementia and on stress and burden of family caregivers. Exergaming was much appreciated among persons with dementia, family caregivers and staff of the day-care centres. On the basis of this study, it has been recommended to offer exergaming in a person-centred manner for people with dementia and to include our recommendations for the implementation of exergaming in daily practice