Controlling Memory Impairment in Elderly Adults Using Virtual Reality Memory Training: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Optale, Gabriele; Urgesi, Cosimo; Busato, Valentina; Marín, Silvia; Piron, Lamberto; Priftis, Konstantinos; Gamberini, Luciano; Capodieci, Salvatore; Bordin, Adalberto

doi:10.1177/1545968309353328

Cited by 267 publications

(250 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…The most commonly used were the digit span (42,46,58) and spatial span tests (43,44). CCT was shown to have a significant effect on digit span forward ability in participants diagnosed with mild dementia (MD) (d= .64) (58) and MCI (η p 2 =.14) (46).…”

Section: Attention/working Memorymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seven studies provided effect sizes, four Cohen's d (42)(43)(44)(45) above 0.06 a medium effect and above 0.14 a large effect, (53).…”

Section: Effect Size Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Alternatively, a control group of individuals living with multiple systems atrophy were included in one study as these were hypothesised not to improve from intervention (52). For the VRCT studies, control conditions were all active and included therapist led training sessions using music therapy (42), memory training (57) and general conversation (39).…”

Section: Control Group Typementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Multi-modal interventions combined CCT with: psychosocial stimulation and ChEIs (56), therapist led CT (43) and occupational therapy (OT), behavioural training (BT) and physical rehabilitation (58). VRCT studies used computer software and combined auditory, tactile and visual stimuli to create virtual environments, including an apartment (39), home or shop (57) and garden (42). All VRCT studies were designed to improve cognitive function and required participants to navigate the virtual environment, learn routes and remember objects.…”

Section: Cct and Vrct Intervention Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two papers used alternative rating scales: age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) (66) was used with 19 participants (51) and Verbal Story Recall ability (67) with 31 participants (42). Limited information about health and medication status was provided:…”

Section: Participant Characteristics and Sample Sizementioning

confidence: 99%

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Computerized and Virtual Reality Cognitive Training for Individuals at High Risk of Cognitive Decline: Systematic Review of the Literature

Coyle

Traynor

Solowij

2015

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

224

143

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The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of cognitive training, specifically computerized cognitive training (CCT) and virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT), programs for individuals living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and therefore at high risk of cognitive decline. After searching a range of academic databases (CINHAL, PSYCinfo, and Web of Science), the studies evaluated (N = 16) were categorized as CCT (N = 10), VRCT (N = 3), and multimodal interventions (N = 3). Effect sizes were calculated, but a meta-analysis was not possible because of the large variability of study design and outcome measures adopted. The cognitive domains of attention, executive function, and memory (visual and verbal) showed the most consistent improvements. The positive effects on psychological outcomes (N = 6) were significant reductions on depressive symptoms (N = 3) and anxiety (N = 2) and improved perceived use of memory strategy (N = 1). Assessments of activities of daily living demonstrated no significant improvements (N = 8). Follow-up studies (N = 5) demonstrated long-term improvements in cognitive and psychological outcomes (N = 3), and the intervention groups showed a plateau effect of cognitive functioning compared with the cognitive decline experienced by control groups (N = 2). CCT and VRCT were moderately effective in long-term improvement of cognition for those at high risk of cognitive decline. Total intervention time did not mediate efficacy. Future research needs to improve study design by including larger samples, longitudinal designs, and a greater range of outcome measures, including functional and quality of life measures, to assess the wider effect of cognitive training on individuals at high risk of cognitive decline.

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