For People With Dementia, Virtual Reality Can Be Life-Changing

Companies such as the British healthcare startup Virtue are using virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance "reminiscence therapy" for people with dementia, reports Wired UK . "It's only now that the phone in your pocket is advanced enough and VR headsets are reducing in price that we can really democratize access to this type of impactful therapy," notes Virtue co-founder Scott Gorman. Virtue's LookBack VR app provides a broad range of 360-degree VR content and filmed experiences that align with the memories of the target age group as categorized by destination, theme, activity, or decade. Users can select from many experiences, and their companion can see their VR headset's view on a companion app via tablet, as well as a series of suggested questions to help encourage relevant conversation about that time. "Our vision is for LookBack VR to become a global platform that can help people with dementia anywhere," says Virtue CEO Arfa Rehman. "We are starting to seek partnerships with organizations and individuals to gather content from around the world." Dementia Villages being developed across Europe have been a proving ground for reminiscence therapy, with a community in Kent being developed in the U.K. to open in 2020. These complete care villages are designed as enclosed sanctuaries that provide familiar surroundings and stimulation attuned to the memories and reference points of their residents.