Dementia – Changing Perspectives: Bringing Real Experiences to Life Through VR
We’re excited to share an update on Dementia – Changing Perspectives, our immersive Virtual Reality project designed to give people a deeper, more human understanding of what life can feel like for someone living with dementia.
Thanks to generous support from Future Screens NI, we were able to bring this innovative idea to life and collaborate with the dementia community in a truly meaningful way.
Built on Real Experiences
This project began with conversations—honest, generous, and deeply personal conversations—with people living with dementia and their carers. Their reflections, stories, and emotions shaped the entire experience from start to finish.
Throughout the process, we made dignity, respect, and sensitivity our top priorities. Every choice we made started with the people at the centre.
From Story… to Script… to VR Headset
Playwright Clare McMahon transformed these lived experiences into a thoughtful, emotionally rich script.
Director Benjamin Gould then brought this world to life, crafting a VR experience designed to place viewers right inside key moments inspired by real lives. Actors Amanda Doherty & Helena Bereen brought wonderful performances of Bernie & her granddaughter Rachel, as they navigate the early days of a Dementia diagnosis.
The result was an immersive journey that helped users understand not just the challenges of dementia, but also the feelings, connections, and humanity that remain ever-present.
Respecting Participants at Every Step
We recognised the trust placed in us throughout this project. To honour that:
We offered to update, change, or anonymise any contextual information if their preferences shifted
We prioritised comfort, clarity, and dignity for both participants and their families
Their trust guided our work from beginning to end.
Sharing the Film: Returning to Our Dementia Group & Inviting Informal Carers
Once the film was complete, we returned to our dementia group DEEDS to share the finished VR experience with the very people who inspired it. Their reactions, feedback, and reflections were incredibly meaningful—and a reminder of why projects like this matter.
We also invited carers and informal carers, many of whom support loved ones at home, to experience the VR film. Their responses highlighted how valuable immersive storytelling can be in helping carers understand and empathise with the day-to-day feelings of those they support.
Delivering DCP Testing
The film then moved into the testing phase, with University of Ulster taking the lead to note the impact the film made to real-life carers. This DCP testing helped us refine the experience and demonstrate its potential as a powerful empathy-building tool.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Dementia – Changing Perspectives has been a truly special project—one made possible by the people who shared their stories, DEEDS and the support of Future Screens NI.
We are deeply grateful to every participant, family member, informal carer, and care professional who contributed.
Together, you helped create something meaningful—an experience that will continue to spark empathy, understanding, and connection for years to come.
