Survey
Airports can be problematic environments for all travelers. Dementia-related confusion, disorientation, and anxiety can be exacerbated by unfamiliar environments like airports or triggered by changes in flight altitude. Dementia is a condition that is likely to affect the expanding population of older passengers since dementia does not necessarily end the desire for or necessity to travel. Recognition of travelers with hidden disabilities (like autism, hearing loss, and dementia) and development of airport and airline policies to enhance assistance to these travelers is in its infancy compared to visible disabilities. There is a dearth of research on air travel by people living with dementia.
Air travel regulations and guidelines in the US have lagged behind the EU and UK. The US has not yet fully addressed the needs of travelers with hidden disabilities. Moreover, although airlines report that crew are trained to handle a variety of situations and medical emergencies, their knowledge and capacity to handle issues specific to passengers living with dementia is uncertain. Dementia advocacy organizations do often provide tips on air travel, but the lack of US research and guidelines suggests these efforts are mostly based on anecdotal evidence.
This survey aims to build this database for airports, airlines, and advocacy groups by exploring the air travel experiences of people living with dementia and their travel companions. Survey results will inform future research and provide a foundation for improving industry and passenger air travel guides, with the ultimate goal of improving the air travel experiences of persons with dementia and their travel companions.
Who is the target population for this survey?
The target population for this research study are individuals who engaged in air travel as: 1) a travel companion / care partner / third party who has traveled with a person living with dementia or 2) a person living with mild cognitive impairment or another dementia.
How will information collected in this survey be used?
Summary data from this survey will be shared with members of the Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group who explore how to improve issues related to traveling with dementia. Further, results will be compiled and shared in scientific and community settings to help others understand issues related to dementia airport travel.
Survey Flyer
RESULTS
265 completed surveys were recorded / completed. 24% (n = 64) of the surveys reflected the air travel experiences of air travelers living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. 76% (n = 201) of the surveys reflected the air travel experiences of travel companions for the traveler with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Head over to our Presentations page for up to date information on academic publications!
Air travel regulations and guidelines in the US have lagged behind the EU and UK. The US has not yet fully addressed the needs of travelers with hidden disabilities. Moreover, although airlines report that crew are trained to handle a variety of situations and medical emergencies, their knowledge and capacity to handle issues specific to passengers living with dementia is uncertain. Dementia advocacy organizations do often provide tips on air travel, but the lack of US research and guidelines suggests these efforts are mostly based on anecdotal evidence.
This survey aims to build this database for airports, airlines, and advocacy groups by exploring the air travel experiences of people living with dementia and their travel companions. Survey results will inform future research and provide a foundation for improving industry and passenger air travel guides, with the ultimate goal of improving the air travel experiences of persons with dementia and their travel companions.
Who is the target population for this survey?
The target population for this research study are individuals who engaged in air travel as: 1) a travel companion / care partner / third party who has traveled with a person living with dementia or 2) a person living with mild cognitive impairment or another dementia.
How will information collected in this survey be used?
Summary data from this survey will be shared with members of the Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group who explore how to improve issues related to traveling with dementia. Further, results will be compiled and shared in scientific and community settings to help others understand issues related to dementia airport travel.
Survey Flyer
RESULTS
265 completed surveys were recorded / completed. 24% (n = 64) of the surveys reflected the air travel experiences of air travelers living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. 76% (n = 201) of the surveys reflected the air travel experiences of travel companions for the traveler with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Head over to our Presentations page for up to date information on academic publications!
