應用新興科技於社區進行失智預防與教育

Applying Emerging Technologies for Dementia Prevention and Education in the Community

臺灣已有超過4分之的縣市於2024年進入超高齡社會，高齡化伴隨社會福利成本增加、勞動力短缺、高齡者健康照護、失智失能照護等重要議題，尤其失智症隨著高齡人口增長而盛行，加重國家經濟負擔，除了患者身心狀況日益嚴重，亦常引發照顧者身心俱疲與憂鬱，失智症已成為2 世紀的重大公共衛生挑戰。AI人工智慧的出現，得以減輕護理醫療人員的負擔，促進高齡者獨立自主與積極的生活方式，有助他們從事適合自己能力的體育和社交活動，而積極主動的方法可以實現早期預防、降低住院率並提高整體健康水平。面臨此波數位浪潮，如何結合新科技與失智預防與教育相關議題，進一步合作共榮發展新契機，為超高齡社會超前部署且建構失智友善社會，值得探究。本文擬就失智症風險因子、因應對策及科技運用於失智症者及其照顧者之相關研究進行探討，透過耙梳國內外相關文獻，歸納整理學者觀點與研究發現，針對失智症者、社區居民及照顧者提供相關建議。

As of 2024, over a quarter of Taiwan's counties and cities have entered a super-aged society. This aging trend has brought to the forefront a range of critical issues, such as increased social welfare costs, labor shortages, healthcare for the elderly, and care for those with dementia or disabilities. The prevalence of dementia, in particular, is rising with the growth of the elderly population, increasing the economic burden on the nation. Not only does dementia severely impact the physical and mental health of patients, but it often leads to caregiver burnout and depression. Dementia has become a major public health challenge in the 21st century. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) can help alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals, promote independence and active lifestyles among the elderly, and assist them in engaging in suitable physical and social activities. This proactive approach can facilitate early prevention, reduce hospitalization rates, and improve overall health levels. Embrace this digital wave, it is worth exploring how to integrate new technologies with dementia prevention and educationrelated issues, further developing new opportunities for collaborative growth. This effort aims to prepare for a super-aged society and construct a dementia-friendly society. The main purpose of this study was to discuss risk factors for dementia, coping strategies, and the application of technology for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. By reviewing relevant domestic and foreign literature, it had summarized scholarly perspectives and research findings, providing recommendations for practitioners, community residents and caregivers.