Those of us who have not experienced memory loss can’t understand Alzheimer’s from the perspective of a person living with it, and that’s often a challenge for caregivers. But Embodied Labs is striving to bridge the gap by giving caregivers a virtual reality simulation of what it’s like to live with the disease.
If you’ve been keeping up with our blog or following us on social media, you’ve likely heard about our partnership with Embodied Labs, the company creating virtual reality experiences to help users learn about what it’s like living with different health conditions. Chicago Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) has invested in Embodied Labs to support the development of this groundbreaking tool.
The Embodied Labs team interviewed CMSS staff and residents, and even shadowed some residents with memory loss to better understand Alzheimer’s and their day-to-day experiences. Then, they applied those insights to what is now The Beatriz Lab, a virtual reality program focused on Alzheimer’s. Through the program, participants virtually experience several facets of the disease, including how Alzheimer’s can impact sight and hearing as well as communication in the brain and with others.
Media highlights: To understand Alzheimer’s, look to virtual reality
Several media outlets are taking notice of this new tool and how it helps caregivers and family members understand Alzheimer’s. Read this recent coverage for more on how Embodied Labs could transform how caregivers learn about the experience of living with memory loss.
Chicago Tribune: What does it feel like to have Alzheimer’s? Virtual reality programs may help you find out
Hear from CMSS employees about their experiences with The Beatriz Lab, and how it has changed their understanding of memory loss.
Chicago Magazine: Simulating Alzheimer’s with a VR Headset
Learn more about The Beatriz Lab and The Alfred Lab, and how the experience of “bodily resonance” in virtual reality can increase empathy and help participants better understand Alzheimer’s.
Science Daily: Virtual reality may help students experience life with dementia first hand
Read how Embodied Labs’ programs were recently showcased at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2018, and are being used to train medical students as well as caregivers here at CMSS.
Do you want to support innovative programs like Embodied Labs at CMSS? Donate today. You can also join or donate to our Walk to End Alzheimer’s team to support our commitment to improving the experiences of people living with memory loss.