In November, Deutsche Alzheimer Gesellschaft (DAlzG) and the Dementia Competence Center in Schleswig-Holstein, invited people to a symposium on current developments, ethical and legal issues and perspectives in technology. 160 participants from all over Germany attended lectures on the advantages and disadvantages of the use of digital technology in the care of people with dementia. Swen Staack, DAlzG Board member and Head of the Dementia Competence Centre in Schleswig-Holstein, emphasised that technology was an important factor in attracting nursing staff. Birgit Michels-Riess of the Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel, also confirmed that the use in practice would only be possible "with the participation of the nursing staff". In addition, such applications are not self-perpetuating, she said: "A caregiver is needed for the technology".
Dr Katrin Grüber of the Institut Mensch, Ethik und Wissenschaft promoted the idea that ethical considerations should be seen as an aid to reflection. Also that ethical questions should be used as a tool for decision-making processes. She called for the needs of people with dementia and their relatives to be taken into account, from the very beginning, in development and research. Various exhibitors at the symposium, demonstrated technology which is already available on the market or is about to be launched on the market. The participants were able to test the technology on offer, on site. A main conclusion from this symposium was that living with, and care of, dementia can be made easier by using technical support, but that it must not be a substitute for human closeness and affection.
