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Utilization of Immersive Virtual Reality in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (IVR-CST) for elderly with mild cognitive
Winsy Wing Sze Wong1, Gloria Hoi Yan Wong2, Jacky Chak Pui Choy3
1Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Plos One
|August 26, 2025
Summary
This study explores immersive virtual reality cognitive stimulation therapy (IVR-CST) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Hong Kong elders. IVR-CST shows promise for improving cognition and may be enhanced by eye-tracking technology.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Virtual Reality Technology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects 11.4% of Hong Kong's elderly population.
- Investigating novel therapeutic interventions for MCI is crucial for aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of immersive virtual reality-based cognitive stimulation therapy (IVR-CST) for elderly individuals with MCI.
- To compare the effectiveness of IVR-CST against conventional cognitive stimulation therapy (CST).
- To explore the utility of eye-tracking technology in evaluating treatment outcomes for MCI.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, randomized controlled trial involving 66 elderly participants with MCI.
- Participants were allocated to either IVR-CST or conventional CST groups for 14 sessions.
- Cognitive assessments, including the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment, were conducted pre-therapy, post-therapy, and at 4-week follow-up.
Main Results:
- Expected positive changes in cognitive function for both IVR-CST and conventional CST groups.
- Anticipated maintenance of cognitive improvements at the 4-week follow-up.
- Exploration of correlations between eye movement patterns during IVR-CST and cognitive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Immersive virtual reality cognitive stimulation therapy (IVR-CST) is a potentially effective intervention for mild cognitive impairment.
- IVR-CST may offer comparable or superior cognitive benefits to conventional methods.
- Eye-tracking technology presents a novel approach to objectively assess treatment response in MCI interventions.
