Joshua Nguyen
University of California, Irvine

Project Title: VRx: Virtual Reality to Improve Quality of Life for Those Affected by Alzheimer's

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Every 66 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, a terrible neurodegenerative disease that shatters the lives of diagnosed persons and their loved ones. Estimates claim that there will be nearly 500,000 new cases this year alone. Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed, making it one of the top ten causes of death in America that only continues to grow. In Orange County, Alzheimer’s poses an even larger threat as the 3rd leading cause of death, showing a much higher Alzheimer’s rate relative to the nation. Although Alzheimer’s cannot be treated, I intend to ease the growing Alzheimer’s epidemic
through the novel usage of virtual reality technology to improve quality of life. By taking advantage of the benefits specific to VR and collaborating with local clinics and senior centers, my plan is to transform traditional treatment and education. This program will provide alternative treatment and screening that is safer, more accessible, and more stimulating than traditional care, which will increase early detection and quality of life. By implementing VR into education as well, my project will also improve understanding of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases with the hopes of improving quality of care and empathy.