Step Into the Mind of Dementia: Interactive Tour Comes to The Dalles

Oct 16

Written By Columbia Community Connection

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 16, 2025 — Imagine trying to button a shirt while your hands don’t quite do what you tell them to. Voices echo. Lights blur. Simple directions slip away. For millions living with dementia, that’s everyday life.

Next week, local residents will have the rare chance to step into that world through the Virtual Dementia Tour, a free community event at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1805 Minnesota St. in The Dalles. The experience runs Oct. 22–23, with sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Using sensory tools that mimic the physical and cognitive challenges of dementia, participants spend six minutes navigating daily tasks—an exercise that often leaves a lasting impact.

As life expectancy continues to rise, so do dementia diagnoses. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.9 million Americans over age 65 are currently living with Alzheimer’s or related forms of dementia—a number expected to nearly double by 2050 as the population ages. Events like the Virtual Dementia Tour aim to help communities prepare with greater empathy and awareness.

Developed through the Second Wind Dreams program, the tour seeks to deepen understanding of what it means to live with memory loss. Organizers say the experience benefits not only caregivers, but anyone who encounters people with dementia in daily life—whether in healthcare, customer service, or the grocery store.

Each session takes about 30 minutes, including time to debrief and learn about local support resources. Space is limited, and registration is required.

To register, email Jennifer.Williams6@providence.org or call 541-387-6370.