Results
Title

Virtual reality program to develop dementia‐friendly communities in Japan.

Authors

Sari, Dianis Wulan; Igarashi, Ayumi; Takaoka, Manami; Yamahana, Reiko; Noguchi‐Watanabe, Maiko; Teramoto, Chie; Yamamoto‐Mitani, Noriko

Abstract

Objectives: Dementia‐friendly communities promote community coherence and reduce the risk of ageism in the community. This study examined the effects of a Virtual Reality (VR) educational program on participants' attitudes towards dementia and their sense of community related to supporting community‐dwelling older adults. Methods: We delivered an educational program using a virtual reality platform that provided a first‐person perspective of people with dementia in the courtyards of two convenience stores in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Japan. We investigated attitudes towards dementia and participants' sense of community before and after the educational program. Results: There were 42 study participants (average age = 48 years). The total scores of attitudes towards dementia and sense of community changed positively from pre‐ to postintervention (P =.004 and <.001, respectively). Conclusion: This educational program for understanding dementia could enhance people's support of community members living with dementia.

Subjects

JAPAN; HUMAN services programs; ATTITUDES toward illness; INDEPENDENT living; EDUCATIONAL outcomes; GAMES; ONLINE education; AGEISM; DEMENTIA; HEALTH education; COMMUNITY-based social services

Publication

Australasian Journal on Ageing, 2020, Vol 39, Issue 3, pe352

ISSN

1440-6381

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1111/ajag.12797