Name: Wen M Maluki

 

Project Name: Reglon

 

Project Info: Between 50-70% of older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, have disturbed sleep patterns. These sleep problems result from, and contribute to the development of dementia. Sleep disturbances lead to accelerated cognitive and functional decline. Anxiety and insomnia caused by a family member’s disrupted sleep leads to poor health for the caregiver too.  This emotional and physical caregiver burden increases the probability of institutionalization. There has been some research and evidence that non-pharmaceutical interventions could help someone with dementia have a better sleep. For example bright light therapy, increased daytime activity, dawn-dusk simulation and other types of environmental modifications could promote better sleep. To create a new solution for this design challenge, I closely adhered to the Human Centred Design methodology. I sought for social support gatherings for these focus groups and heard their needs, built on observations, empathy skills, prototyped and implemented the idea to work in a specific cultural and economic context. As a result of completing the above procedure and investigation, I created an innovative non-pharmaceutical product that utilizes sensory stimulants to regulate and alleviate dementia sufferers from disturbed sleep patterns. Overall this project suggests that a good understanding of the patient’s routine would be beneficial in adapting solutions to counteract sleep disorder triggers and behaviours associated with it. Also that more non-pharmaceutical intervention should be used as they have no side effects as opposed to medication, consequently lowering the prevalence of dementia and enhance well-being

 

Bio: Wen M Maluki is a recently qualified Product Designer, who graduated from the University of Sussex with a BSc degree. He has a comprehensive understanding of design, manufacturing and construction processes. Pursuing experience in all the design stages of a product, including research, development and manufacturing right through to installation and final commissioning. He looks at design with a fun, artistic, unconventional and inventive twist. Wen did a 4 months on-going internship with Pavegen Systems developing their renewable energy harvesting technologies where he focussed his efforts on materials research and development. He would like to extend his breadth of skills and knowledge in the specialized field of new product development. He intends to do this by studying a Masters degree in Technology and Innovation management. In his spare time, he really enjoys taking apart mechanical appliances he hasn’t already done.