Effects of virtual reality-based cognitive training in older adults living without and with mild dementia: a pretest–posttest design pilot study

Abstract

ObjectiveModern technologies are increasingly used in the development of cognitive interventions for older adults. Research into possible applications of virtual reality in such interventions has begun only recently. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of 8 sessions of VR-based cognitive training using the GRADYS game in healthy older adults (n = 72; aged 60–88) and older adults living with mild dementia (n = 27; aged 60–89).ResultsOlder adults with mild dementia demonstrated worse baseline cognitive performance than participants without dementia. Both groups showed progress in training, which was greater in healthy older adults. There were also significant differences in cognitive functioning before and after the training. However, positive changes were revealed almost exclusively in the group of older adults without dementia. Based on the findings, we can recommend the GRADYS game for cognitive enhancement and as a possible counter-measure for cognitive decline experienced in normal cognitive ageing. Our results provide also support for the usefulness of VR technology in cognitive interventions in older adults. The use of the GRADYS game in persons living with dementia, however, would require several of the hardware and software modifications.Trial registration ISRCTN17613444, date of registration: 10.09.2019. Retrospectively registered

Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive–Motor Rehabilitation in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Study on Motivation and Cognitive Function

“…Recently, with the advancement of IT technology, virtual reality-based cognitive rehabilitation (VRCR) has been proposed [14,15]. VR facilitates the creation of a multisensory, dynamic, interactive virtual environment with a great similarity to real life [16].…”

Cognitive reserve and the effects of virtual reality‐based cognitive training on elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment and normal cognition

“…With rapid developments in virtual reality (VR) technology, there has been a growing interest in adopting VR in cognitive interventions over the years. However, as previous research concerning VR has mainly focused on the diagnosis of dementia, there are only a handful of studies on the effects of VR‐based cognitive interventions 20,21 . According to the most recent meta‐analysis by Kim et al ., VR interventions showed small to medium effects on cognition, larger in patients with MCI than in those with dementia 20 .…”

Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Cognitive Training (VRCT) and Computer-Based Cognitive Training (CBCT) for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

“…Technological advancement and enhanced education level of aging population demand more effective and evidence-based cognitive trainings. Besides conventional computer-based cognitive training (CBCT), immersive virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT) has been gaining popularity over the last decade [6]. Previous studies have suggested that implementation of CBCT and VRCT among individuals with MCI may lower the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementia [5,7].…”