Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Mar 17, 2026
Date Accepted: Aug 6, 2026
Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Immersion Process as a non-pharmacological intervention on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and immediate Well Being in people living in Nursing Home: a Randomized Controlled Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia (NPS) are common among nursing homes residents, notably those with Alzheimer’s disease, impacting both themselves, and healthcare professionals. Non-pharmacological interventions, including virtual reality, have shown promise, but evidence from multicentre ecological studies remains limited.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality–based immersion intervention (Lumeen©) as a non-pharmacological approach for managing NPS among nursing home residents.
Methods:
56 nursing home residents with NPS took part in this multicentre randomized controlled trial, receiving either virtual reality-based sessions or non-digital cognitive stimulation. Both interventions consisted of two 45-minute group sessions per week for six weeks. NPS severity (NPI, IA-S) was assessed pre- and post-intervention while immediate well-being (EVIBE) and social interaction (SOBRI) were assessed at each session.
Results:
No significant differences were found between groups in NPS reduction or well-being. However, immediate well-being improved in both groups, and social interactions were more frequent in the control group. Only two mild adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
Virtual reality interventions may enhance immediate well-being with minimal risks but were not superior to cognitive stimulation for NPS reduction. Clinical Trial: The study presented in this article was registered on clinical trial with the name “Virtual Reality Intervention for the Reduction of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (LUMEENCOMPAD)” ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04769024; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04769024
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