× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

By attempting to complete everyday tasks while outfitted with specially designed eyeglasses, headphones, gloves and insoles, Virtual Dementia Tour participants are able to better understand the challenges facing people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

"The goal is to increase sensitivity," said Patty Collins, organizer of two upcoming Virtual Dementia Tours being sponsored by Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. "People come away with greater empathy and a better awareness."

The hands-on experience will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Salem Community Library, 24615 89th St., and from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha.

The free program is limited to roughly 20 participants at each location and advance registration is required. The entire experience takes about 30 minutes.

"By walking in their shoes, albeit briefly, we can develop a sense of how we might feel and what might make us more comfortable if we were the ones with dementia," Collins said. "A lot of people say it is both a very humbling experience and a very frustrating experience."