Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Serious Games
Date Submitted: Jan 21, 2022
Date Accepted: Jul 9, 2022
The long term effects of immersive virtual reality reminiscence in people with dementia: Longitudinal Observational Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Novel non-pharmacological therapies are being developed to prevent cognitive decline and reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with dementia. Virtual reality (VR) reminiscence was reported to improve anxiety, apathy and cognitive function immediately after intervention in individuals at residential aged care facilities. However, its effect in elderly dementia patients and how long this effect could last, remains unknown.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of immersive VR reminiscence in people with dementia immediately after and 3-6 months after intervention.
Methods:
A pilot study was conducted in two dementia care units. VR reminiscence therapy sessions were conducted twice per week for a 3 month period. Cognitive function, global status, depressive symptoms and caregiver burden were assessed pre- and immediately post VR in 20 participants. 7 participants were then reassessed 3-6 months after the VR intervention. Wilcoxon Rank Signed test was used for statistical comparisons of the changes.
Results:
There were no significant changes in cognitive function, global status and caregiver burden immediately after the VR intervention, but there was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (P=0.008). Compared with the cognitive function immediately after VR, it kept declining 3-6 months after.
Conclusions:
Immersive VR reminiscence can improve mood and preserve cognitive function in elderly dementia patients during the period of the intervention. Studies using a control group and comparing the use of VR with traditional forms of reminiscence should be conducted in the future to confirm and expand on these findings.
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