The Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Reminiscence Therapies for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Mao, Q., Zhao, Z., et al. (2024).
Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e53348.
<div>This systematic review investigates the effects of virtual reality-based reminiscence therapies (VR-RTs) for older adults with cognitive impairment (i.e., dementia and mild cognitive impairment [MCI]).</div>
Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Macao Science and Technology Program Fund; Health Bureau, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Polytechnic University
From database inception to August 10, 2023
<div>Published, peer-reviewed studies. Excludes books, review articles, and commentary letters.</div>
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<div>Older adults with MCI or dementia accepted and expressed satisfaction with VR-RT interventions. Participants preferred VR-RT to traditional RT or non-immersive VR-RT formats. Patients described VR-RT as engaging and highly immersive. Older adults with MCI showed deeper engagement in VR-RT compared to adults with dementia. </div>
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<div>Some users reported side effects (e.g., eye strain, vertigo, disorientation, nausea, mild negative emotions; 2 studies) due to perceptual discrepancies between real and virtual environments. Semi-immersive or non-immersive VR-RT showed no side effects.</div>
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<div>Limitations of this review include a lack of meta-analysis of effects, lack of randomized controlled trials comparing VR-RT and traditional RT outcomes, and lack of insight on the influence of patient characteristics on outcomes. Additional research is needed to investigate diverse participant groups and the effects of VR-RT components.</div>
<div>VR-RT showed promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive impairment in older adults with MCI or dementia. Participants improved memory function and emotional well-being while maintaining cognitive status. Using personalized visual and aural materials from a patient's younger days showed greater effects than general stimulus materials. </div>
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<div>VR-RT showed limitations regarding visual difficulties, passive interactivity between patients and their care providers, the influence of external distractions disrupting participation, and the potential to induce negative emotions related to unpleasant memories.</div>
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<div>Limitations of this review include a lack of meta-analysis of effects, lack of randomized controlled trials comparing VR-RT and traditional RT outcomes, and lack of insight on the influence of patient characteristics on outcomes. Additional research is needed to investigate diverse participant groups and the effects of VR-RT components.</div>
<div>Preliminary evidence on effective dosages of VR-RT interventions for older adults with MCI or dementia found that sessions lasting 40 minutes during a period of 8 to 12 weeks showed the greatest benefits for most participants. However, in one study, many users (72%) experienced cybersickness after 36 minutes of treatment. The authors conclude that an optimal duration for VR-RT has not yet been defined by the available evidence.</div>
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<div>Limitations of this review include a lack of meta-analysis of effects, lack of randomized controlled trials comparing VR-RT and traditional RT outcomes, and lack of insight on the influence of patient characteristics on outcomes. Additional research is needed to investigate diverse participant groups and the effects of VR-RT components.</div>
