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Virtual Reality Interventions for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Qin Yang1, Liuxin Zhang1, Fangyuan Chang1
1School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|January 10, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) interventions show promise in improving memory, attention, and executive function for older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). While VR offers benefits, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore broader health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Alzheimer disease is currently incurable, but interventions during mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can slow dementia progression.
- Virtual reality (VR) technology presents a potential avenue for such interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of VR interventions on older adults diagnosed with MCI.
- To assess VR's impact on cognitive abilities, mood, quality of life, and physical fitness.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 4 databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Ovid) up to December 30, 2023, for randomized controlled trials.
- Inclusion criteria: older adults (≥55 years) with MCI, VR interventions, and self-reported outcomes.
- Meta-analysis, risk-of-bias, subgroup analyses, and GRADE approach were employed to assess evidence quality.
Main Results:
- 18 studies involving 722 participants were analyzed.
- VR interventions significantly improved memory (SMD 0.2), attention/processing speed (SMD 0.25), and executive function (SMD 0.22).
- Improvements were noted with VR cognitive training and immersive VR, but effects on other cognitive and physical measures were minimal.
Conclusions:
- VR interventions can enhance memory, attention, and executive function in older adults with MCI.
- The evidence quality is moderate to low, indicating a need for further investigation.
- Additional research should explore other health-related outcomes and confirm current findings.
