On 4^th December 2024, the “Along with Alzheimer’s” Elderly Cognitive Assessment Service-Learning Project Award Ceremony was held at Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, to recognize the research assistants who provided cognitive assessments for the elderly from September to November 2024. This service-learning project was a collaboration between Moon Chun Memorial College and the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, in partnership with the Complexo de Serviços de Apoio ao Cidadão Senior “Pou Tai” – Lar De Idosos Pou Tai and Macau Senior Vounteer Service Association. The aim was to cultivate professional psychological research assistants by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for cognitive assessment of the elderly through professional training, and conduct field research at elderly service centers in Macao to collect cognitive health data of the elderly.

This research-based service-learning project successfully trained ten Cantonese-speaking research assistants who performed excellently in the 13-hour training workshops, passed the assessments, and acquired the ability to conduct field research. Throughout the implementation of the project, Prof. Liu Lulu (College Affiliate) and Mr. Henry Lao (Clinical Superviser) provided weekly online supervision, ensuring the research assistants applied the knowledge and skills learned in training effectively. Their support enabled the research assistants to accurately record and organize assessment data, establishing a comprehensive cognitive health database for 64 elderly individuals, which will support future research efforts.

The award ceremony recognized the dedication and hard work of these research assistants, highlighting their contributions to the field of elderly cognitive health. This service-learning project not only provided valuable data for the elderly cognitive assessment research in Macao, but also fostered the development of skilled professionals in psychological research.

“As a psychology student, I have accumulated experience in field research and data collection, gained more understanding of future research directions, and developed an interest in Alzheimer’s disease research. Through interactions with the elderly, I have changed my previous prejudices and can now communicate with them more naturally and patiently, mastering many communication skills.” ─ Siliva Zhang

“This service-learning project experience has not only given me a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease but also made me realize the stories behind each elderly person and the loneliness they endure. This activity has truly made me feel that every effort will be rewarded, and every interaction is a precious connection.” ─ Jacky Yang

“Over the past three months, this service-learning project has benefited me greatly. I have not only learned how to identify the potential for Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly through some daily behaviors, allowing for early treatment to prevent the condition from worsening, but I have also gained a deeper understanding and respect for the lives of the elderly.” ─ Marrisa Fong

“For me, service-learning is not just an activity; it is a responsibility and a mission. In the future, I hope to continue paying attention to the lives of the elderly and help those in society who need assistance. Everyone can start with small actions, embracing empathy and care, and use their modest efforts to change the world around them.” ─ Joanna Zhu

Group photo of the research team at the launch ceremony of the service-learning project

                                         

                                           

Participating in a series of professional training workshops

Simulating Elderly Cognitive Assessment

Providing elderly cognitive assessment services

Iris Dai, Resident Tutor hosting the Service-Learning Project Award Ceremony

Alice Hong, Resident Fellow giving a welcome speech

Prof. Liu Lulu sharing the effectiveness of the service-learning project

Silvia Zhang, Research Assistant sharing what she learned and gained in supervision

Prof. Liu Lulu awarding certificates to outstanding research assistants

(Silvia Zhang, Jacky Yang, Marrisa Fong and Joanna Zhu)

Group photo of the research team at the award ceremony of the service-learning project