Virtual Dementia Tour: New Paltz

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter will offer Virtual Dementia Tours in December in Ulster County.

The program is a hands-on simulation of what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia to help caregivers and others identify and cope with the needs of their loved ones. Appointments are required for the 25-minute sessions.

Appointments will be available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at Woodland Pond at New Paltz, 100 Woodland Pond Circle, New Paltz. This program is available through a partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association and the Ulster County Office for the Aging and is funded by the New York State Office for the Aging. For more information or to RSVP, call the Ulster County Office for the Aging at 845.340.3456.

People who have gone through the simulation found it an eye-opening experience.

“I am equally terrified and amazed at what is happening to people with dementia that we cannot see,” said a woman in her 50s. “This completely changed my view of what is happening. My father has some signs of dementia, and I wish I could have my mother experience something like this to help her.”

“I was reminded immediately of how the world must feel to my son, who has sensory processing disorder,” said a mother in her 40s. “I know it wasn't the point of the activity, but I feel like I can understand him so much better now, and maybe even be more aware than I was before of what might be hurting him."

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org/hudsonvalley or call 800.272.3900. This program is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

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For more information, contact Communications Manager Dugan Radwin at dradwin@alz.org or 845.471.2655.