The use of VR in reminiscence therapy sessions with people with mild dementia

Speaker

• Rui Raposo - University of Aveiro (Portugal)

Scientific Coordinator: Massimo Zancanaro

Abstract

Mental illness and in particular dementia may be one of the still hidden impacts of all that was brought upon the world due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the multiple lockdowns and restrictions we all had to deal with.  In the case of dementia, a condition science is still falling short of discovering a cure for, some research has focused on reminiscence therapy as a means to contribute to the improvement of the patients' quality of life. In this context ongoing work is exploring virtual reality as a complement to this non-pharmacological therapy to help slow down the loss of oral communication competencies in people with mild dementia.

Studies regarding the use of virtual reality-based reminiscence therapy in people with cognitive impairment or mild dementia have been found to be pleasant and safe to use, with the potential to stimulate communication competencies and lead people to recall and share positive memories. The findings of a recent literature review suggest, however, that virtual reality-based reminiscence therapy for these groups of users is scarce and with considerable room for further research.

This seminar will present examples of ongoing work and how we are trying to merge Virtual Reality, Reminiscence therapy and Storytelling in the hope of contributing, even if only a bit, to the quality of life and oral communication competencies of patients with mild dementia.