The EDIE virtual dementia experience
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia. Currently, there are an estimated 472,000 Australians living with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to 590,000 by 2028 and 1,076,000 by 2058.
Whilst we are constantly learning more about the experience of dementia through advocates, people with lived experience and research there is still a lot we do not know.
Our Managing Director, Hayley recently participated in the EDIE dementia experience which enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia utilising high quality virtual reality technology.
Hayley shared her experience saying; “I had to hold onto a chair the whole time. I felt so off balance and nauseous for about an hour afterwards. It really opened my eyes to to visuospatial impact of dementia and how exhausting this could be for a person.” Reflecting afterwards, Hayley considered the ways in which music therapists can reduce this discomfort and confusion suggesting the use of live, familiar music to create a sense of safety in a way that can be adjusted in the moment to the sensory needs of the individual.
