Katrina Regan, left, and Alyssa Mackey, right, of the Residence of Salem Woods, simulate the feelings of dementia on Salem, New Hampshire Deputy Chief Jim Chase.

SALEM, N.H. — Dozens of New Hampshire public servants, firefighters and police officers underwent the first “A Walk in Their Shoes” training and simulation on World Alzheimer’s Day, June 21.

The day is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association and other groups as a day to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

During the simulation, volunteers attempt to perform simple tasks like finding something in a purse or unlocking a door while experiencing the difference issues that older people and dementia sufferers face. The trainers simulated neuropathy or other foot pain by placing popcorn kernels in a person’s shoes, and visual impairment with special glasses. Headphones playing recordings of people speaking simultaneously induced confusion and often, anxiety.

Maureen Witley, the executive assistant to Salem’s town manager, was tasked with opening a purse and retrieving an item from it. But, with gloves on her hands and loud sounds in her ears, she said she was confused, distracted and frustrated.

“I could see how someone going through that would have a lot of anxiety. I knew it was temporary, but I felt myself getting anxious. I was uncomfortable, couldn’t use hands very well. It was quite an experience,” Witley said.

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-Dover) and more than 50 other legislators also used to day to introduce Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act and the Alzheimer’s Research Semipostal Stamp Act, which will fund training, support services and research.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a heartbreaking and growing crisis in New Hampshire,” Shea-Porter said in a statement.

The number of people in New Hampshire with Alzheimer’s, in particular, is expected to increase by 39 percent by 2025, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Nationally, seven million people 65 and older are expected to have the disease.

“Baby boomers are aging, and as they age, you’ll notice that there’s a prevalence of dementia,” Alyssa Mackey, reflections director at the Residence at Salem Woods. “But, there’s not enough educational tools out there right now for people to understand the disease itself and what it takes to care for people with it.”

That’s why Salem Woods implemented the “Walk In Their Shoes” training developed by their corporate owners, LCB Senior Living.

“They’re going through more than we ever realized. There’s some things we can see are difficulties for these patients, but some that we can’t know from the outside,” said Windham Fire Lt. Ralph DeMarco, who participated in the stimulation.

People with dementia tend to have anxiety because they become overstimulated and have difficulty with simple tasks they were once able to complete easily. Windham firefighter Dan Doherty, who has worked with dementia patients frequently over the last 12 years, said the experience was frustrating.

“You become almost angry you can’t complete the tasks,” he said.

Several participants and observers said it made them better understand why dementia sufferers behave the way they do.

The Windham Fire Department often responds to an emergency with multiple people, which can be overwhelming and heighten their anxiety and confusion. Some paramedics find they have trouble getting an accurate medical history from dementia patients, DeMarco said.

Even having had a mother who suffered from dementia didn’t prepare Witley. Her mother would often get anxious and annoyed, and she said only now does she fully understand why.

“Hopefully, now when they’re faced with an issue with a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s they’ll be able to respond appropriately,” Mackey said.

DeAngelis writes for the North Andover, Massachusetts Eagle-Tribune.