"When describing the dementia simulator, we refer to it as an insight simulator."

What is it like to live with dementia? A "dementia simulator" developed by virtual reality researchers at the Lunds Tekniska H?gskola provides insight into this experience. The simulator immerses users in a virtual world where they can experience various aspects of life with cognitive disorders.

LTH researchers Joakim Eriksson and Maria Hedin had spent several years developing virtual nature experiences for elderly individuals with dementia. Their VR technology has been implemented in several nursing homes across Sk?ne, yielding positive health outcomes for residents. The technology has evolved into a product now utilised by dementia care professionals and caregivers of individuals with cognitive disorders, with the aim of enhancing dementia care.

"When describing the dementia simulator, we refer to it as an insight simulator," explains Maria Hedin. “The user puts the headset on and steps into a kind of inner monologue, allowing them to experience from a first-person perspective the difficulties experienced day-to-day by a person with a cognitive disorder.”

The researchers developed their VR product through collaboration with dementia nurses and family members of dementia patients, receiving funding and support from LU Innovation, the Swedish Alzheimer's Foundation, and Burl?v municipality.

Essential support from LU Innovation

Joakim Eriksson says it would have been that advancing the simulator idea would have been challenging without support from LU Innovation's: "Having no prior experience in research commercialisation, we received valuable guidance on legal matters, license pricing, and commercial strategy. This learning experience has given us the confidence to expand our product into a wider markets."

While the primary market consists of dementia care professionals, the product also serves family members and various community workers.

“This could be someone working on the checkout at a supermarket, a bus driver, the home help – anyone who interacts with people in their professional role,” says Maria Hedin.

Municipal implementation

For individuals with cognitive impairment, routine situations can become distressing, such as forgetting about a loved one's passing. The simulator helps users understand these experiences, enabling them to respond more appropriately to such situations.

"Being reminded of a loved one's death can feel like receiving the news repeatedly. No one wants to experience the intense grief of losing someone multiple times daily. It's crucial to maintain dignity in these interactions to avoid exacerbating the distress for individuals with dementia, and our VR product facilitates this understanding," explains Maria Hedin.

The dementia simulator has received positive user feedback, with multiple municipalities incorporating it into their training programs. The researchers conduct regular user meetings to gather feedback and identify potential improvements.

"Through ongoing dialogue, we can refine the technology to better meet user needs and preferences," says Joakim Eriksson.

This article was written by Jessika Sellergren and originally appeared in the employee magazine LUM, as well as LTH-nytt, the alumni magazine of The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University.