The Virtual Reality Tech Revolutionising Dementia Care

While augmented and virtual reality technologies may be best known for their uses in gaming, they are now also being deployed to enhance the care of those with dementia and help caregivers better understand what it’s like to live with the condition.

Fulfilment and Stimulation

The company ImmersiCare has developed a VR system featuring a headset that can be used by dementia sufferers. A typical session lasts around 20 to 25 minutes, with the patient experiencing up to three different VR scenes. Carers remain on hand throughout to ensure the user is comfortable and doesn’t become distressed. Visiting the seaside, space travel and swimming with dolphins are among the scenes available, and many dementia sufferers are already enjoying the stimulation and benefits offered by these devices and their supporting software, which was developed by Alex Smale.

Alleviating the Psychological Impact of Dementia

As well as memory loss, dementia has a serious psychological impact on its sufferers, which may manifest in the form of aggression, anxiety, depression, and agitation. These symptoms have a negative effect on sufferers’ wellbeing and can also contribute to over-medication. VR tech is increasingly helping with the management of these symptoms. The fact that the technology has previously demonstrated efficacy in reducing depression and anxiety in patients with mental health conditions means it’s anticipated to deliver the same benefits to those suffering with dementia.

Digitisation of Existing Therapeutic Approaches

VR can also be an effective tool in dementia care as it enables the digitisation of therapeutic approaches that are already in use to help manage the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). For example, reminiscence therapy triggers the long-term memories of dementia sufferers, thereby helping to reduce the distress, anxiety and agitation caused by the disease. A virtual reminiscence therapy platform has now been developed,
transporting users to locations of personal significance to trigger memories.

The Future

Technology companies are already developing programmes that can be used by dementia sufferers’ families to create personalised experiences or tours of things like family homes and videos. It’s hoped that the use of such VR tools will improve patients’ cognitive health and could even slow the progression of the disease. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s Research UK has created several A Walk Through Dementia videos designed to put the user into the shoes of an individual with dementia to experience, virtually, their typical day-to-day life.