What It Really Feels Like: A Glimpse Into Dementia and Autism

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience simulators designed to replicate aspects of living with dementia and autism. While they only lasted a few minutes, the impact was lasting.

In the dementia simulation, small changes created a big effect. Glasses reduced colour perception and peripheral vision. Headphones exaggerated background noise, making it hard to focus. Spikey insoles mimicked the sensation of peripheral neuropathy—something not caused by dementia itself, but commonly experienced alongside it. That detail felt especially important: it highlighted how easily other health issues can be overlooked once someone is labelled with dementia.

The autism simulation brought a different kind of challenge. A video played showing multiple sources of noise and movement—running taps, ticking clocks, a hoover in the background—while we were asked to complete simple tasks. On top of that, altered depth perception made navigating space harder, and being given several instructions at once felt overwhelming. Tasks that would normally be straightforward suddenly became difficult to process and remember.

What made the experience particularly powerful was its temporary nature. After five minutes, I could remove the glasses and headphones and return to normal.

Not everyone has that option.

These simulations weren’t just about building empathy—they reinforced something deeper. When someone appears distracted, slow to respond, or forgetful, it’s not necessarily a lack of effort or attention. It may be that they are experiencing the world in a fundamentally different way.

For anyone supporting a loved one or working with individuals with these conditions, it’s a reminder that patience, understanding, and creating the right environment are essential.

And if you ever find your patience tested, that’s human too—but it’s worth remembering: things are often much harder than they appear on the outside.