Mental Health

This VR device could let you know the early warning signs for Alzheimer’s

Monica Briceno stands in her apartment before learning that her eviction has been postponed in Madrid April 5, 2013. Briceno is a 70 year-old separated woman living on a pension of 364.90 euros ($475) and suffering from Alzheimer's disease. She has an advanced cognitive impairment and an eviction from what was her home for the last 40 years could cause irreparable damage. Clinical studies prove that to remove an Alzheimer patient from her usual place of residence and routines can accelerate the progress of the disease. She's been living in a cheap rental apartment (old rental system) in Madrid since 1974. In 2001, after her legal separation, a judge gave her single tenancy rights. She has always complied with her payment obligations but the homeowner now claims the house for personal use. Authorities have postponed her eviction until the 24th of May, while her unemployed son Christian tries to relocate her through social services to a place where she can be properly taken care off. REUTERS/Juan Medina

VR allows researchers to spot the first telltale signs of navigation problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. Image: REUTERS/Juan Medin

University of Cambridge
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Example environment from the virtual reality display. Image: University of Cambridge
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Related topics:
Mental HealthHealth and HealthcareVirtual and Augmented RealityFourth Industrial Revolution
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