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Southwick Public Library gives public opportunity to 'experience' dementia

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. s-public-opportunity-to-experience-dementia.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 9:27 GMT by MassLive
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Southwick Public Library Launches Immersive “Dementia Experience” to Raise Awareness and Empathy

In a bold effort to humanize the often misunderstood condition, the Southwick Public Library opened its doors on October 5, 2025, to an interactive exhibit that invites patrons to “walk in the shoes” of someone living with dementia. The week‑long program, titled Experience Dementia, blends sensory deprivation, memory games, and personal storytelling to provide a visceral look at the daily challenges faced by millions of Americans and their families.

How the Experience Works

Participants start in a dimly lit “memory lane” where familiar library items—books, a phone, a kitchen counter—are rearranged or removed entirely. An audio guide narrates the day’s progression, describing a typical morning routine that slowly devolves as memory lapses intensify. At a central table, visitors are handed a pair of black‑and‑white “cognitive impairment” glasses that reduce visual clarity, simulating the difficulty many dementia patients have with recognizing faces and objects. The glasses also emit gentle vibrations that correspond to the visitor’s heart rate, meant to convey the frustration and anxiety that accompany forgetfulness.

A series of interactive stations follows. At the “forgotten names” station, participants must match people to faces and then answer questions about their relationships—tasks that reveal how easily social connections fray when memory fails. The “lost in time” station plays a looped recording of a typical day, with time stamps that shift to illustrate how people with dementia often experience disorientation, moving from morning to evening or vice versa. In the final station, a quiet room with dim lighting and a single, familiar object—a childhood toy—offers a moment of reflection, echoing the emotional toll on both sufferers and caregivers.

The exhibit’s design was inspired by a 2019 project called Memory in Motion, which the library’s director, Linda Hayes, says “taught us that empathy can be sparked when we step outside our usual perspective.” The Southwick Public Library’s own website—southwicklibrary.com/dementia-experience—provides a detailed overview of the event, listing dates, ticketing information, and safety protocols. The site also includes a “Frequently Asked Questions” section clarifying that the glasses are not physically harmful and that participants can request assistance or withdraw at any point.

Voices Behind the Initiative

Dr. Michael Torres, a neurologist at the nearby Regional Medical Center, praised the library’s approach, noting that “educational outreach like this can reduce stigma, improve early detection, and foster community support.” He also highlighted the program’s alignment with the American Academy of Neurology’s 2023 guidelines on community dementia education, which emphasize experiential learning to bridge knowledge gaps.

Local resident and caregiver, Marsha L. Henderson, who cares for her father diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year, spoke emotionally to the local paper. “I was skeptical at first, but walking through the exhibit made me feel the loss her dad experiences every day,” she said. “It was heartbreaking but also empowering—knowing that people are starting to understand what it feels like.”

The library director, Linda Hayes, explained that the program was a collaborative effort involving the Southwick Historical Society, the local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “We wanted to create a space where people could leave the library with a deeper understanding and the urge to take action,” Hayes said. “Our community has been supportive, and we’re already seeing increased volunteer sign‑ups and donations for local memory care centers.”

Broader Impact and Future Plans

Beyond the immediate educational benefits, the library’s initiative aligns with a broader public health strategy to improve dementia care. A recent article in Health & Social Care in the Community (October 2025) notes that “community-based experiential programs significantly improve caregiver coping strategies and reduce hospitalization rates.” The Southwick program will be evaluated for its long‑term effect on local health outcomes, with a partnership already in place with the Southwick Caregiver Support Group, which will track participant feedback and any subsequent engagement in local support services.

The library also plans to extend the Experience Dementia exhibit into a traveling program. According to the library’s website, a portable version—complete with sensory stations and educational materials—will be available for other community centers and schools across the state. “The goal is to normalize conversations about dementia,” Hayes added. “By giving people a concrete, emotional understanding, we hope to create a more compassionate, informed society.”

A Community Response

During the launch event, approximately 300 patrons attended, many of whom came in groups, including students, seniors, and caregivers. The library’s social media pages recorded a surge of shares and comments, with patrons expressing surprise at how quickly the exhibit “felt real.” One Twitter user noted, “I walked out with tears in my eyes and a new respect for the people who can’t remember their own names.”

The library’s own blog post following the event—southwicklibrary.com/blog/dementia-experience-review—summarizes feedback and outlines next steps. Notably, the library is hosting a panel discussion on November 12 featuring Dr. Torres, local mental health professionals, and community members who have experienced dementia firsthand. The panel will also explore policy implications and how libraries can continue to serve as community hubs for health education.

Conclusion

Southwick Public Library’s Experience Dementia initiative marks a significant step in community-based dementia education. By transforming the abstract statistics into a tangible, emotional journey, the library not only raises awareness but also encourages proactive involvement—whether through volunteer work, advocacy, or simply being present for those living with memory loss. As the program expands beyond Southwick, it stands as a model for other libraries and community centers seeking to foster empathy and improve public understanding of dementia.