Aged Care / Dementia Resources

Aged Care & Dementia VR Therapy can help providers meet all 8 of the aged care quality standards.

·Dementia is a broad term that classifies a group of symptoms caused by disorders impairing the normal function of the brain. It is not one specific disease, but rather the collective effect of several.

·Dementia affects memory, thinking, reasoning and behaviour. Brain function is impaired enough to interfere with the a persons ability to have a normal everyday life.

·No two cases of dementia are the same and it is not limited to those who are aged. As the saying goes “If you have met one person with Dementia, you have met one person with Dementia”

·An accurate medical diagnosis is essential when symptoms appear, not only for the patient’s own safety, but also because early diagnosis can improve the effectiveness of available treatments. Constant monitoring can avoid complications and relieve the stress on the resident and their family.

·Many patients lead very active and fulfilling lives for years after diagnosis.

Dementia is the umbrella or blanket term for a number of neurological conditions, which result in a global decline in brain function.

It is a condition that has been medically recognised for hundreds of years, the diagnosis being accepted as a medical term in France in 1797. However, dementia was a not commonly recognised in the last few centuries as it is today, because fewer people lived as long as they do now. In fact, it was not until the mid 1970s that dementia begun to be described as we know it today.

We now know dementia is a disease symptom, and not just age-related cognitive decline or a normal part of ageing. There are many diseases that are known to cause dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the main cause and the most commonly known. Vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and dementia from Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease are some of the other common causes.

Although the risk of getting dementia increases as we age, dementia also affects younger people in their 40s and 50s. The term ‘young-onset or early-onset dementia’ is used to describe any form of dementia diagnosed in people under the age of 65.

In 2023, it is estimated that 411,100
Australians are living with dementia

Dementia was the 2nd leading
cause of death in Australia in 2021

Dementia prevalence rates among First Nations
people is estimated to be 3–5 times as high
as the rate for Australians overall

In 2023, dementia was the 2nd leading
cause of burden of disease in Australia

Around 2 in 3 Australians with dementia
were living in the community in 2022

$3.7 billion of Australia’s health and aged care
expenditure was spent directly on dementia in 2020–21

54% of people living in permanent residential
aged care had dementia in 2021–22

Half of unpaid carers of people with dementia
provide on average 60+ hours of care every week

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

What is virtual reality therapy for dementia?

Virtual reality therapy for dementia uses immersive VR experiences to engage patients in cognitive and sensory activities to stimulate memory, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health.

How does VR improve outcomes for dementia patients?

NeuronsVR therapy provides personalized experiences to support cognitive function, enhance mood, making it a valuable tool to help those living with dementia make sense of the world around them.

Can occupational therapists ( OT ) use VR for therapy with their clients who live with dementia?

Yes, occupational therapists can integrate NeuronsVR into resident care plans to create engaging activities to support cognitive function, enhance emotional well-being and fulfill an unmet need for residents living with dementia.

Is VR therapy safe for elderly patients with dementia?

It is very important to use dementia specific content that is approved. NeuronsVR therapy programs are developed specifically for Aged Care and Dementia. Warning = do not use generic VR devices or videos.

How does NeuronsVR therapy compare to traditional VR?

NeuronsVR therapy is developed with Gerontologists, Clinical Neuropsychologists and Sound Therapists, just to name a few. Clinically developed experiences and support programs are what separates NeuronsVR therapy to generic VR.

What are the benefits of VR therapy for dementia rehabilitation?

NeuronsVR therapy can support cognitive function, improving social interaction, reducing anxiety, and providing sensory stimulation, which are crucial for someone living with dementia.

Can VR help with memory activities in occupational therapy for dementia?

Yes, NeuronsVR can stimulate the memory with clinically developed programs that trigger past memories, supporting cognitive retention and recall.

What role does VR play in senior dementia care?

NeuronsVR plays a significant role in senior dementia care by providing tailored experiences to promote mental stimulation, reduce feelings of isolation, and enhance the overall quality of life.