Calming images and soothing sounds can help

Willy Briggen, 89, who is in an advanced stage of dementia, lives at the Eindhoven home.

Like many with dementia, Briggen sometimes becomes impatient, even unruly. The outbursts put a strain on the home’s staff, who struggle to deal with her frail frame. A decade ago, she might have been prescribed drugs or restrained to manage the outbreaks.

But when she gets upset, the staff rolls a squat projector into her room, where it beams out calming images and plays soothing sounds.

On a recent visit, Briggen went from an obvious state of emotional discomfort to calm reflection as she gazed at the ceiling of her private room, which was festooned with projected nature scenes, including of ducks.

What is dementia?

Dementia, a group of related syndromes, manifests itself in a steep decline in brain functions. The condition steals memories and personalities. It robs families of their loved ones and saps resources, patience and finances.

Up to 270,000 Dutch people - roughly 8.4 per cent of the 3.2 million residents over the age of 64 - have dementia, and the government expects that number to double in the next 25 years.

In recent years, the government has preferred to pay for home care rather than in a licensed facility so most people with dementia live at home.