New program in California helps caregivers understand Alzheimer's

A new program aimed at those with relatives suffering from Alzheimer's encourages participants to don a pair of goggles that blurs their vision and wear gloves that dull their sense of touch. Called Virtual Dementia, the free class was provided by Right at Home, an in-home care and assistance service, according to USA Today.


The workshop was meant to help caregivers understand what spouses or parents with Alzheimer's are experiencing.

Arlene Abbott, who takes care of her 88-year old husband with dementia, told the news source that the program proved to be very "enlightening."


"The program put me in my husband's shoes. It gives you better understanding of what they go through," she said.


Participants were assigned five different tasks that they had to complete while wearing the cumbersome outfit, such as setting the table, writing a letter and even filling a cup with water.


The Alzheimer's Association estimates that there are currently 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and 10.9 million caregivers who are responsible for looking after them. The mental illness costs Americans approximately $172 billion each year and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.


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