Semi-immersive Virtual Habitat to Enhance Relaxation in People with Dementia during COVID-19 Emergency

The effects of lockdown-induced isolation, with changes in daily routines and reduction of emotional, social and physical stimuli, have been a detonator for the rapid increase of neuropsychiatric disorders among fragile elderly, such as people with dementia (PWD). The temporary closure of day care centres for dementia represented a serious shortcoming in the day-to-day care, with a related increase in stress levels for both PWD and their carers and a reduced quality of life. Within this framework, new non-pharmacological care methods are needed to help reduce agitation-related behaviours in PWD, in order not to increase the pharmacological load and its related health risks. This paper presents a pilot study focused on the development of a prototype of a semi-immersive virtual environment, called Semi-immersive Virtual Habitat, aimed at decreasing agitation and enhancing relaxation in PWD, especially after experiencing stressful experiences such as lockdown measures during COVID-19 pandemic.