VR for Alzheimer’s treatment
The impact of VR for Alzheimer’s treatment can now be proven in how a handful of doctors and researchers are diagnosing and treating the disease. Read on to find out how Alzheimer’s care professionals are already using VR and the ways this new technology may affect the future of Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment. Want to know more right now? Contact us to see how we can help.
VR for Alzheimer’s treatment and Risk-Detection as Young as Age 18
Alzheimer’s has already become remarkably easier to detect thanks to VR technology. In October of last year, German Alzheimer’s care scientists published a study in which they used a virtual maze to help detect Alzheimer’s. In the study, the scientists tested people between 18 and 30 years old and had them try to navigate a VR maze.
Amazingly, this test proved successful. Based on how different people moved through the maze, the scientists were able to accurately identify which subjects held genetic markers for Alzheimer’s. This means that with the help of VR, scientists can diagnose high-risk patients as young as 18 years old, allowing families to plan for future Alzheimer’s care.
Virtual Environments Help Treat Patients
VR for Alzheimer’s treatment is already being treated as a highly effective tool, as has been shown in a handful of trials by leading Alzheimer’s care professionals. One such trial, performed in 2014, used Microsoft Kinect technology to create peaceful scenes, such as a sunlit forest, that Alzheimer’s sufferers were able to interact with.
Another more recent trial This type of treatment is called “sensory therapy,” and are touted for their safety and therapeutic uses. Normally, it is too risky to introduce Alzheimer’s sufferers into certain environments, no matter how relaxing. But with VR, these Alzheimer’s care professionals have been able to build relaxing environments where patients are totally safe. Patients also respond particularly well to environments they already have a linked memory too and this is where VR for Alzheimer’s treatment can really help, instantly transporting them to that environment, for as long or short as they wish.
The Future of VR & Alzheimer’s Care
Since virtual reality is still in its infancy, it is tough to predict exactly how much of an impact this technology will have on Alzheimer’s care. Many people see a lot of potential in VR’s therapeutic uses, and as the technology becomes more widespread, accessible, and affordable, we may see VR play a much bigger role in treatment.
One exciting possibility in VR for Alzheimer’s treatment is the creation of virtual environments that remind Alzheimer’s patients of their childhoods. It is even be possible to create customized environments for individual patients, introducing music or details that are particularly soothing.
Experied & VR as a new Alzheimer’s treatment
At Experied we are really excited to be able to offer patients and carers our VR Enrichment programs as part of this widely discussed Alzheimer’s treatment, to improve treatment and quality of life. Living with Alzheimer’s is surely one of the most difficult things and being able to ease that pain and help reconnect memories is a gift, one that we are keen to share. Talk to us today to see how we can help.
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