Pilot Randomized Controlled Study on the Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality-Based Dementia Prevention Program Using...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Dementia poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in aging populations.
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a critical stage for early intervention in dementia.
• Taiwan's aging society necessitates innovative dementia prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a VR-based dementia prevention program.
• To enhance dementia knowledge, health literacy, and self-efficacy in older adults with MCI.
• To leverage self-regulated learning (SRL) principles within a VR educational framework.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 60 participants aged 65+ with MCI.
• Random assignment to either a VR-based intervention group or a control group receiving paper materials.
• The intervention group engaged with a VR program designed for dementia prevention.

Main Results:

• The VR group showed significant improvements in overall dementia knowledge and its subdomains.
• Significant gains were observed in critical health literacy and self-efficacy among VR users.
• No significant changes in overall health literacy were noted in the experimental group.

Conclusions:

• The SRL-informed VR program demonstrated initial effectiveness in improving key cognitive and health-related outcomes.
• VR-based dementia prevention education holds potential for older adults with MCI.
• This innovative approach warrants further investigation for broader dementia prevention efforts.