ApS EXPERIENCE IN SENIORS WITH ALZHEIMER AS A TOOL TO ACHIEVE SDGs IN THE DEGREE OF OPTICS AND OPTOMETRY

Abstract

Through its teaching and research work, the University contributes to the development of just and sustainable societies, since it trains graduates who will implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Service-Learning (ApS) connects the student with real social problems and in contexts that resemble the reality of their future profession, being an appropriate teaching methodology for achieving SDGs. Hearing loss (PA) is highly prevalent in the elderly population and is closely related to deterioration in their quality of life. In the subject Audiology in Special Populations (4th year) an ApS experience is carried out in which students carry out clinical practice (hearing evaluation tests) with users of AGADEA (Galician Association for assistance to patients with Alzheimer's type dementia). The objectives of the study are: 1) to determine the presence of PA that may affect the quality of life of the users; 2) examine the acquisition of necessary skills to promote sustainable development by students. The hearing assessment of the users by the students is supervised by a tutor teacher and at the end of the experience each student must submit a portfolio of clinical practice evidence. A high percentage of older users of these centers have disabling AP. Most of the students consider that the experience increases their professional motivation, and they specify that the activity is positive and enriching. The detection of PA makes it possible to improve hearing care care for the elderly by family members and caregivers (SDG 3). Experience forms knowledge and drives the development of values, reflective thinking and the creation of a critical mass that will implement SDGs in the future (SDG 4). In addition, it allows establishing agreements for the development of the ApS experience in the long term (SDG 17).