Virtual Reality Intervention for Managing Apathy in People With Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Training on Cognitive, Social, and Physical Functioning in High-Functioning Older Adults (CoSoPhy FX): 2-Arm, Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the health care of older individuals, particularly in the domains of cognition, physical activity, and social engagement. However, existing VR products and services have limited availability and affordability; hence, there is a need for a scientifically validated and personalized VR service to be used by older adults in their homes, which can improve their overall physical, cognitive, and social well-being.

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of the CoSoPhy FX (Cognitive, Social, and Physical Effects) study was to analyze the effects of a VR-based digital therapeutics app on the cognitive, social, and physical performance abilities of healthy (high-functioning) older adults. This paper presents the study protocol and the results from the recruitment phase.

METHODS

A group of 188 healthy older adults aged 65-85 years, recruited at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, were randomly allocated to the experimental group (VR dual-task training program) or to the control group (using a VR headset app showing nature videos). A total of 3 cognitive exercises were performed in various 360° nature environments delivered via a VR head-mounted display; the participants listened to their preferred music genre. Each patient received 3 sessions of 12 minutes per week for 12 weeks, totaling a minimum of 36 sessions per participant. Attention and working memory (Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery) were used as primary outcomes, while other cognitive domains in the Central Nervous System Vital Signs battery, quality of life (World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire) were the secondary outcomes. The group-by-time interaction was determined using linear mixed models with participants' individual slopes.

RESULTS

In total, 122 (39%) of the initial 310 participants failed to meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in a recruitment rate of 61% (188/310). Among the participants, 68 successfully completed the intervention and 62 completed the control treatment. The data are currently being analyzed, and we plan to publish the results by the end of September 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

VR interventions have significant potential among healthy older individuals. VR can address various aspects of well-being by stimulating cognitive functions, promoting physical activity, and facilitating social interaction. However, challenges such as physical discomfort, technology acceptance, safety concerns, and cost must be considered when implementing them for older adults. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of VR-based interventions, optimal intervention designs, and the specific populations that would benefit most.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05369897; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05369897.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/53261.

Virtual reality-based simulation intervention for enhancing the empathy of informal caregivers of people with dementia: A mixed-methods systematic review

Dementia is a long-term and progressive syndrome that not only influences the person with dementia (PWD) but also the caregiver. However, informal caregivers are not always empathic and understand the symptoms of dementia, leading to destructive caregiving relationships and poor quality of caregiving. VR-based simulation interventions can provide a more realistic and memorable learning experience for caregivers to walk in PWDs' shoes. This review aimed to provide practitioners and researchers with insights on developing and/or adopting an effective VR-based simulation intervention for enhancing the empathy of informal caregivers of PWD. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies were searched from MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library updating. Standard JBI critical appraisal instruments were used for the quality appraisal. A convergent segregated approach was used to synthesize and integrate the data. A total of seven studies were included. Inconsistent quantitative results were reported on the effects of VR-based simulation on empathy enhancement. Significant effects were reported on knowledge of dementia and emotion-focused coping strategies. Two themes were generated from the qualitative studies, including "Informal caregivers gained better insight into problems encountered by older people with dementia" and "Thinking from the perspective of older people with dementia, leading to changes in attitudes and behaviours towards dementia". The qualitative synthesized evidence showed that informal caregivers gained better insight into problems encountered by PWD, but the quantitative synthesized results are inconsistent. Yet, informal caregivers experienced a change in attitude by thinking from the perspective of PWD.

Virtual Reality for the Rehabilitation of Acquired Cognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review

This review article explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with neurological conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. The introduction highlights the challenges posed by cognitive impairments and the limitations of traditional rehabilitation methods. VR is presented as a transformative tool that immerses individuals in interactive environments, offering promising opportunities for enhancing cognitive functions and improving quality of life. This article covers the foundational principles of VR, its applications across different clinical conditions and cognitive domains, and evaluates empirical evidence supporting its efficacy. It also discusses the advantages, limitations, challenges, and ethical considerations in the use of VR for cognitive rehabilitation. This review concludes by exploring future developments, including advancements in VR technology, the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), and the importance of standardized assessment tools for the objective evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes.

Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Using 360° Videos to Manage Well-Being in Older Adults: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

The development of negative behavioral and psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety, apathy, etc) is associated with poor well-being, which can contribute to health issues in ageing, especially in the context of COVID-19. Despite its relative novelty, fully immersive virtual reality (VR) interventions through 360° immersive videos are becoming more accessible and flexible and constitute an emerging method to potentially enhance well-being. The aim of this scoping review is to assess the effectiveness of 360° interventions on well-being in older adults with or without cognitive impairment, as well as cybersickness and attitudes toward this technology.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Older adults with or without cognitive impairment.

METHODS

The PRISMA-SR guideline was followed. Four databases were used, and we selected articles published until April 2022. We have analyzed the effect of 360° videos on the well-being of older adults with respect to the study design, the population, the contents, the duration of intervention, and the outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 2262 articles were screened, of which 10 articles were finally included in this review. Most of them are pilot studies and used mixed methods including scales and interviews. The material and content of VR are diversified. Many behavioral and psychological outcomes were assessed, including anxiety, apathy, loneliness, depression, social engagement, quality of life, and emotions. The results were positive or mixed, according to the outcomes. We recorded few adverse events, and the interviews show contrasting results concerning the participants' feelings (ie, degree of immersion, familiarity with technology, and VR content).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The use of VR 360° videos seems feasible in community-dwelling older adults or residential aged care facilities, as they are safe and provide enjoyment. It constitutes an emerging and promising therapeutic tool to manage psychosocial disorders. This review provides key considerations for the design and implementation of interventions using VR 360° video in clinical practice.