A Preston-based charity is bringing a virtual dementia experience to Lancashire.

Age Concern Central Lancashire will be taking the Virtual Dementia Tour around the county over the next two years. The Tour is a medically and scientifically proven way to show someone with a healthy brain what dementia might be like.

Advertisements

I went along to the VIP launch of the Virtual Dementia Tour at Charnley Fold, Age Concern’s Bamber Bridge day support centre for people living with dementia.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Carr explained why the Tour is such an important project for Age Concern.

She said: “Dementia is an increasingly pressing societal issue.

“It’s estimated that one in three people will be diagnosed with dementia during their lifetime. In Lancashire there are 15,000 people living with dementia, and this number will rise to 22,000 by 2025.

“As the recognised local expert we’ve invested resources in the Virtual Dementia Tour over the next two years.

“The aim is to increase awareness and understanding, and most importantly enhance care for dementia sufferers and their loved ones.”

During the VIP launch participants had the opportunity to get a taste of the Virtual Dementia Tour.

The full experience lasts two-and-a-half hours, but I found just the five-minute taster to be confusing, intimidating and thought-provoking.

Read more: Time to talk about Freda – inside Age Concern’s befriending service

The Virtual Dementia Tour officially launches on Tuesday 5 March at Age Concern’s Spring 2019 Conference. It will be available to be booked by businesses across Lancashire who want to raise awareness of dementia. To find out more or to book the Tour call 07458 017059.

The Age Concern Dementia / Memory Concerns team help people remain independent and continue to enjoy life. They can be contacted on 01772 620876.