Recalling happy memories after dementia strikes

DEMENTIA patients could benefit from a virtual reality headset to help them revisit comforting memories.

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

Action-XR will combine images of familiar locations with music and personal photos in the hope it can help them recall happy times in a safe space. Kevin Moss of Rescape Innovation has developed similar technology which is used in NHS hospitals to relieve pain and anxiety.

Using it to watch short nature videos reduced pain scores by 28% and anxiety by 40% in a study of 28 patients receiving palliative care at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Connection

Mr Moss has now joined forces with Dr Gary Christopher, an expert in ageing and nostalgia therapy at Swansea University, to explore how it can be used to combat depression and anxiety in people with dementia.