“TIncontro…via web”

The research project aims to develop an innovative intervention practice for groups of patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The way of life, daily habits, and behaviors of people have been radically changed by the COVID-19 pandemic; in particular, the lives of older adults and, even more specifically, individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia have become increasingly challenging. The need for partial confinement, imposed by authorities to protect the most vulnerable segments of the population, has profoundly disrupted and partly compromised the lives of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative conditions.

Among the major difficulties that emerged during this period was the provision of more targeted care linked to group activities or interpersonal interaction. The reduction or complete suspension of physical exercise and the interruption of regular social contact have deeply affected the most vulnerable individuals, such as those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Among the issues that have had a significant impact on patients are the lack of external stimuli and increasing isolation, which in many cases have led to an acceleration of cognitive decline and dementia.

This already difficult situation prompted the development of strategies to prevent the complete interruption of support and meeting groups for people with dementia, and encouraged the search for new ways to reach individuals and their family caregivers, as well as to provide assistance remotely.

A pilot group was therefore established—building on the experience of the TIncontro support group for patients in the early and early-middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease—which developed “TIncontro… via web,” a project offering moments of interaction with caregivers and online activities through the delivery of short videos based on emotional and physical stimulation exercises to be carried out remotely. Caregivers are invited to perform at home, together with their loved ones, gentle movement and empathic communication exercises described and demonstrated in the videos, enriched with relaxing music and imagery. Each video guides both caregiver and patient in the gradual discovery of movements and gestures inspired by theatre, offering a perspective that explores human behavior and emotional expression.

This alternative communication strategy with families makes it possible to continue TIncontro group meetings in compliance with coronavirus protocols. The main objectives of the activities include maintaining continuous dialogue among specialists, patients, and families, and preventing patients from regressing to more severe stages of the disease.

The project is based on the importance of non-pharmacological therapies which, integrated with standard treatments, in this case make use of theatrical practices as a stimulus to keep the patient’s sensory experience and emotional life active—even remotely—and to support interaction with places, people, and situations. It promotes calming and problem-solving strategies to address the daily challenges faced by both people with dementia and their caregivers. While particularly valuable during the pandemic, the project may also serve as a model for future support initiatives to complement in-person groups. Patients, together with their caregivers, can choose the most appropriate time to engage in the exercises, repeat them according to their own pace and needs, and each time discover new aspects and stimuli, thereby enriching the non-pharmacological therapy process from home.

The Accademia Dimitri and the Competence Centre for Older Adults, DEASS-SUPSI, promote the pilot project “TIncontro… via web,” conceived and conducted for the GINCO Association by Dante Carbini and Rita Pezzati. The Alzheimer Ticino Association, which initiated the TIncontro group (active for four years) to provide a space for listening and sharing self-awareness, also collaborates in the project’s implementation.

The project is supported by the Alfred Loppacher and Helene Mettler Foundation.

Project Directors: Rita Pezzati, Competence Centre for Older Adults, DEASS-SUPSI; Demis Quadri, Accademia Dimitri
Researcher: Krizia Bonaudo, Accademia Dimitri
Theatre Trainer: Dante Carbini

In collaboration with:
Dr. Med. Brenno Galli
Katia Tunesi, TIncontro