Recreating living experiences from past memories through virtual worlds for people with dementia

Abstract

This paper describes a study aimed to understand the use of 3D virtual world (VW) technology to support life engagement for people with dementia in long-term care. Three versions of VW prototypes (reminiscence room, virtual tour and gardening) utilising gestured-base interaction were developed iteratively. These prototypes were tested with older residents (80+) with dementia in care homes and their caregivers. Data collection was based on observations of how the residents and care staff interacted collaboratively with the VW. We discussed in depth the use of VWs in stimulating past memories and how this technology could help enhance their sense of self through various means. We also highlighted key approaches in designing VWs to sustain attention, create ludic experiences and facilitate interaction for older people with dementia.

A Mini-Review of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions to Promote Well-Being for People Living with Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…A study by Siriaraya and Ang [28] conducted intriguing virtual reality mixed-method investigations ( n = 20) using different prototypes to recreating memories and social engagement in PLWD in long-term aged care. Over 9 visits, 3 different virtual reality settings (“reminiscence room,” “virtual tool,” and “gardening”) were tested in 2 aged care facilities, followed by semistructured interviews with care staff regarding the efficacy of the interventions.…”

“…Results showed that virtual reality activities triggered reminiscence, with participants reenacting stories from memories (i.e., their gardens). Reminiscence also occurred through their interaction with virtual objects, particularly with objects of personal relevance [28]. A sense of escapism was reported among participants, with reports of “being slipped into an alternate reality” along with positive feelings.…”

Probing the Potential of Multimedia Artefacts to Support Communication of People with Dementia

“…More recent work of the same research team [7] focused on computer-generated 3D environments providing means for people with dementia to enjoy environments they once liked, but cannot visit anymore . Similar is the work of [8], who created 3D environments for reminiscence and meaningful activities. However, people in later dementia stages had problems with the interaction.…”

Reminiscence of People with Dementia Mediated by a Tangible Multimedia Book

“…a garden or a pub. Similarly, (Siriaraya et al, 2014) utilized immersive 3D technology, in particular Unity3D and the Kinect, to create environments for reminiscence and meaningful activities (like gardening). However, people with progressed dementia had problems with the interaction.…”