Culturally Sensitive Tool for Moroccan Migrants with Dementia

Challenge: Amsterdam: How can migrants with dementia stay fit and learn to train their memory?
Target Group: Migrants with dementia

This pilot project was carried out in Amsterdam using PALL0, an interactive, culturally agnostic ball designed to support individuals with dementia. The initiative involved collaboration with Ouderen Kliniek and Amsterdam UMC. The objective was to explore how physical and cognitive activity could be promoted through simple, intuitive play.

Participants included first-generation Moroccan migrants in the early stages of dementia. Sessions were facilitated by caregivers and health professionals in familiar care environments. Co-creation activities included observational feedback from staff and users, informal interviews, and iterative testing to refine the use of PALL0 in real-life settings. Approximately 10 people were involved, with half being individuals in the early stages of dementia. PALL0 offered multisensory engagement through light, sound, and movement, encouraging interaction without relying on screens or complex instructions.

The pilot demonstrated that low-barrier, tactile technology can contribute meaningfully to dementia care by fitting naturally into daily routines.

The findings suggest further exploration of PALL0 in long-term care and rehabilitation settings could be beneficial for maintaining cognitive and emotional engagement among aging populations. Next steps include broader piloting.