Dementia Simulation House
Education. Empathy. Empowerment.
UNI’s gerontology program has created an innovative hands-on learning experience for campus and the community in the Dementia Simulation House, a home where individuals use goggles, headphones and gloves to experience what it’s like to live with dementia.
Our team focuses on educating individuals about Alzheimer's and other dementias, increasing empathy for those living with dementia, and empowering care partners. Whether you know someone living with dementia or you are just curious to learn more, we would love to have you schedule a time to visit us!
Questions?
Please reach out to us at: dementia.simulation@uni.edu.
Dem-Sim House Experience
This simulation will allow you to experience what completing daily tasks might be like for a person living with dementia.
Dementia Friends Training
A Dementia Friend learns about dementia and then turns that understanding into action. Join the Dem-Sim team for a one-hour training to become certified!
Business / Organization Inquiries
Interested in having your group experience what it is like to live with dementia and learn ways to better serve those living with dementia?
Your Brain Deserves a Checkup!
Just like you get regular checkups for your heart, eyes or teeth, screenings give you a baseline for your brain health so you can track changes over time.
Free, confidential and no diagnosis given
Screenings are provided by qualified graduate students under the close supervision of University of Northern Iowa professors with extensive expertise in aging and brain health. We never share your results with employers, insurance companies or anyone else.
Click the button below for more information or to book your free screening today.
UNI Dementia Outreach & Education
Fall Dementia Seminar Series
All sessions in Bartlett 81, University of Northern Iowa
Brain Health & Dementia Prevention
Wednesday, Sept 16.
12 p.m.
What can we actually do to protect our brains as we age? This session explores what current research tells us about brain health and dementia prevention, including the lifestyle factors associated with dementia risk. Participants will learn practical, realistic strategies for supporting brain health, along with what the science does—and does not—tell us about preventing dementia.
Typical Aging vs. Dementia
Monday, Oct 19.
12 p.m.
Forgetting a name, misplacing your keys, or walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there—when is it a normal part of aging, and when might it be something more? This session explores the differences between typical age-related changes and signs that may indicate dementia. Participants will learn what happens to the brain as we age, common warning signs of cognitive impairment, and when changes in memory, thinking, or behavior may warrant further evaluation.
The Science of Successful Dementia Caregiving
Wednesday, Nov. 4
6 p.m.
In this session, we’ll discuss what research tells us about caregiver well-being. Participants will explore evidence-based approaches for reducing stress, protecting their own mental health, building resilience, and navigating the challenges of dementia caregiving.
Iowa’s only dementia simulation house, run by UNI gerontology, helps increase empathy
“People with dementia are directly and negatively impacted when people around them don't understand dementia. So when you make sure that people understand dementia a little bit more and just some basics of how to communicate with someone with dementia, it really improves the quality of life for people with dementia.” --Megan Zimmerman, '20
The Dementia Simulation House partners with Age-U-Cate™ and Dementia Live® to simulate changes in sensory experiences.
Schedule a Dementia House Visit
'Change the culture of aging': What you can learn about dementia inside a Cedar Falls house
Iowa City Press-Citizen
CEDAR FALLS — Five minutes is plenty of time for those trying out what it's like to live with dementia ...
UNI simulation house helps visitors gain understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia
KCRG
CEDAR RAPIDS – A house near UNI’s campus is helping people understand what it’s like to live with dementia ...
UNI dementia simulation gives people greater understanding of experience living at home
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
CEDAR FALLS – People tend to think dementia is just about memory loss ...
