19 June: Co-creation session within the DREAm project
My name is Gerda Van Tongerloo, I am from the Netherlands and a member of the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD). In early June, I took part in an inspiring co-creation session organised by Eindhoven University of Technology as part of the DREAm project, which aims to explore how technology can support people with dementia and their caregivers to achieve better sleep at home.
The session brought together researchers, companies and people with dementia to discuss how technology could help people follow sleep advice and maintain healthy sleep habits in their daily lives. As a representative of the BrainPower research group, I was pleased to contribute the perspective of people living with dementia. The insights gathered during the session will help guide the development of technologies that better meet the needs and wishes of people with dementia and their loved ones.
28 June: Football initiative for people with dementia in Zeist
In June, I took part in a visit to vv Jonathan football club in Zeist, where a delegation of professionals from Switzerland came to learn about inspiring Dutch initiatives that support people with dementia to remain active and involved in their communities.
One of the initiatives discussed was a football programme for people with early-stage dementia, developed through a collaboration between Alzheimer Nederland, afdeling Zeist e.o., Sportief Zeist and vv Jonathan. What began as a small pilot group has grown into a regular weekly activity, with participants meeting every Wednesday to play football together. Just as importantly, the initiative also creates opportunities for social connection, with caregivers using the time to meet and share experiences. The visit highlighted how sport, community involvement and local partnerships can help people with dementia continue to lead active and meaningful lives.
17 July: Melodie Percussion Group
One of my passions is music, and I am a member of the Melodie Percussion Group (MPG) of the Royal Music Band of De Bilt. The group brings together around 15 musicians of different ages who share a love of making music together. We rehearse every Wednesday evening and play a wide range of percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, snare drum and bass drum.
The MPG performs regularly throughout the year at concerts and local events. One of our highlights is Winterbeats, an annual themed concert held in February or March, often in collaboration with another section of the association. We also perform during the Evening Four-Day March in De Bilt and at summer concerts at the Beerschoten estate. For me, being part of the group is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy music, friendship and teamwork.
