10 • BrainMatters • Spring/Summer 2023
USING VIRTUAL REALITY TO ENGAGE
INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Managing dementia can be challenging, and people living with this disease
often experience difficulties interacting with their physical and social
environments. Even at a very early stage, people living with dementia
may notice their ability to communicate and engage with others becomes
impaired. This often leads to withdrawal from daily life and from those around
them. As well, older adults living with dementia may become agitated and
even aggressive, sometimes in response to small occurrences, such as a
sudden loud noise.
While medication can be effective in managing some dementia symptoms, Baycrest's
Transitional Behavioural Support Unit (TBSU) team also uses alternative strategies
to help manage a resident's agitation and aggression while enhancing their quality of
life. One approach is to engage individuals through leisure and recreational programs
that encourage them to rediscover hobbies and activities that give them joy, provide
meaningful experiences and evoke positive memories for them, as well as their
loved ones. Activities are intentionally chosen by Baycrest's recreation therapists
to reflect a resident's unique life story and provide them with the opportunity to
explore and enjoy their interests. The goal is to allow residents to reclaim a sense
of purpose and fulfilment, reduce their urge to withdraw socially and mitigate their
responsive behaviour.
The goal is to
allow residents to
reclaim a sense
of purpose and
fulfilment, reduce
their urge to
withdraw socially
and mitigate
their responsive
behaviour.
