First responders have no idea what they’ll encounter on any given day, so they strive to be prepared for every possibility. That includes responding to emergencies that involve someone living with dementia. This challenging disease is the fourth leading cause of death in Arizona and is projected to affect 200,000 Arizonans by 2025.

Apache Junction police officers are the latest to take part in a novel training exercise called Dementia Moments. The virtual experience was created by Hospice of the Valley to literally put people in the shoes of a dementia patient

This unsettling realistic simulation challenges participants to perform daily tasks as if they had moderate Alzheimer’s. Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Superstition Fire and Medical and other first responders have already embraced the interactive training opportunity and say the knowledge gained is invaluable.

“Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause profound brain changes,” said Hospice of the Valley dementia educator Kobie Chapman. “That dramatically impacts someone’s ability to communicate, express feelings and make sense of the world around them.”

Wearing goggles that diminish vision, thick gloves that simulate neuropathy and arthritis, and headphones that blare static into their ears, the crews tried to follow instructions to sort coins, thread a belt through pant loops, write their name and perform other simple tasks. The eye-opening experience frustrated every one of them.

“This exercise made me feel overwhelmed, anxious and helpless. I was trying to focus on one thing, but then I would hear another task and I would have to try to figure out what was more important to complete,” AJPD Sgt. Craig Martin said. “Now, knowing what to look for and understanding what someone goes through with dementia will allow me to slow down and really connect with that person, de-escalate the situation and try to put myself in their position.”

This training exercise crystallizes how difficult it is to function with impaired cognition.

“I think going through this helped cultivate some empathy with the crews,” Chapman observes. “It gave them a glimpse into what someone with dementia is dealing with on a daily basis and that understanding will elicit compassion for people who are doing the best they can in the moment.”

Lt. Thomas Parker, who has been with Apache Junction police for 26 years, said, “Even though I’ve worked with a lot of people with dementia over the years, this exercise provided a deeper level of understanding of the disease.”

Community groups interested in scheduling a Dementia Moments presentation may contact Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care and Education Campus at 602-767-8300 or visit dementiacampus.org.