Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Co. Ltd. (Otsuka) announces the launch of FACEDUO Dementia Care Support VR as a new VR (virtual reality) training program, in a collaboration with the Japan-headquartered company Jolly Good Inc. The program is available starting today as a pre-release (pilot experience), and actual sales are scheduled to begin in December.

Dementia Care Support VR is an interactive VR training program supervised by a medical specialist to help caregivers, including family members of people with dementia, learn about the background of the feelings and behaviors of people with dementia. Caregivers are thereby better able to adapt to the specifc responses of people with dementia.

Symptoms of dementia often occur, such as loss of understanding of the arrangements and procedures for things, forgetfulness, etc.. However, the person experiencing dementia does not just lose track of things, but may be confused or anxious about the changes in themselves due to dementia, or stressed about not being able to communicate well with others. The Dementia Care Support VR helps caregivers to understand the background of the dementia patient's behavior and feelings by allowing the caregivers to experience through VR their own responses and actions from the perspective of the patient, and to learn how to interact with the patient more empathetically and effectively.

By improving dementia care through this program, Otsuka aims to realize a society living in harmony with dementia, in which people with dementia can continue to live as they are while caregiver stress is reduced, enabling all parties to lead more fulfilling lives.

Dementia Care Support VR can be used by a wide range of people, including family members with dementia, their caregivers, and medical and welfare professionals specializing in care. The intended usages include dementia care classes held by local governments, companies, and community pharmacies, as well as training for caregiving staff at academic conferences, hospitals, and nursing care facilities.

As a total healthcare company focusing on individual potential, Otsuka hopes to contribute to the realization of full well-being, when people are physically, mentally, and socially healthy. As Japan enters a hyper-aged society, dementia has become a very serious problem for families and other caregivers. Along with the development of medicines, Otsuka is committed to taking a multifaceted approach to dementia through the development of digital tools such as FACEDUO in collaboration with our partners.