Published January 12, 2024
Scott Cooper, a 66-year-old Australian, is defying his dementia by continuing to travel the world with his wife, Jill. They visit their daughter in Canada twice a year and regularly explore Australia. While dementia can cause loss of memory, confusion, and changes in behavior, Cooper still finds joy in traveling, which gives him the “opportunity to continue to enjoy life.”
“Traveling can be stressful at times but it can also be stimulating by enjoying new experiences,” he says. “It takes a lot of energy, so it helps me be active in both mind and body.”
With the predicted increase in dementia cases, scientists recommend socializing, physical exercise, staying mentally active, and getting vitamin D from exposure to the sun as treatment options. However, a recent study suggests that travel can also aid people with dementia by providing cognitive and sensory stimulation from new sights, smells, tastes, and social encounters.
Countries like Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are beginning to cater to tourists with dementia. Papers are published on guides for dementia-friendly travel, and special attractions and activities designed for people with dementia are available, such as cafés, sensory trails, and art workshops.
“All tourism experiences offer elements of anticipation and planning, both of which stimulate brain function,” says Jun Wen, tourism lecturer at Edith Cowan University. “Exercise is often an important component of tourism experiences, and it is frequently included in dementia intervention plans.”
Warren Harding, professor in dementia care at Australia’s Macquarie University, also notes that travel can help build confidence, trigger memories, and foster independence for individuals with dementia. He also shares his own experiences of traveling with his late mother, carefully planning their trips to minimize stress and anxiety.
As the world of dementia-friendly travel continues to grow, places like Western Australia offer unique travel experiences that cater to the needs of individuals with dementia.