JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Reminiscence therapy is a non-pharmaceutical form of treatment for cognitive impairment in which artifacts or conversations are used to recall memories and past life skills. Virtual reality (VR) has increasingly been used as an assistive technology during reminiscence therapy. However, the effects of VR-based reminiscence therapy methods remain unclear, and insights into the related benefits and challenges.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to systematically review the effects of virtual reality-based reminiscence therapies for older adults with cognitive impairment.

Methods:

Seven databases (MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature—Complete, Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ScienceDirect) were searched to identify relevant articles published up from the inception to August 10, 2023. Two independent researchers conducted the literature search, review, and data extraction processes. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to analyze the extracted data.

Results:

Of the 537 identified articles, 22 were ultimately included in the data analysis. The results revealed that VR-based reminiscence therapies could maintain the cognitive status of and reduce anxiety in people with cognitive impairment. Around 87% of the included studies indicated that VR-based reminiscence therapies improved memory; however, the evidence regarding the beneficial effects of VR-based reminiscence therapies was limited in terms of quality of life and reducing apathy and depression. The results indicated that VR-based reminiscence therapies are safe, engaging, acceptable, and satisfying for people with cognitive impairment. In VR scenarios, personalized stimulus materials related to the users’ experiences in youth treated cognitive impairment more effectively than other stimulus materials.

Conclusions:

The results of this systematic review demonstrate the potential benefits of VR-based reminiscence therapy for people with cognitive impairment, especially in terms of improving emotion and memory and maintaining cognitive status. VR-based reminiscence therapy is also safe and enjoyable for users. More randomized controlled trials are required to examine the designs and effects of VR-based reminiscence therapies for groups of older adults with specific needs.