Public Health.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Rising global dementia rates necessitate innovative prevention strategies.
• Reminiscence therapy and virtual reality (VR) are emerging as promising interventions.
• Limited research exists on VR-based reminiscence, particularly with map applications, for elderly populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of VR-based reminiscence therapy using a maps application on the positive emotions of community-dwelling elderly.
• To explore the potential of this intervention for dementia prevention.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental study involving community-dwelling, cognitively healthy elderly participants.
• Six-week intervention: 40-minute sessions weekly, including 15 minutes of VR map reminiscence.
• Positive feelings assessed using a 10-point self-rating scale across 14 evaluation periods.

Main Results:

• Fifteen participants completed the study.
• Significant increases in positive emotions were observed before and after each reminiscence session and discussion.
• An upward trend or significant increase in positive feelings was noted from baseline after most sessions, except the second.

Conclusions:

• Continuous, regular VR-based reminiscence therapy using a maps application effectively maintained and revitalized positive emotions in elderly participants.
• This intervention may help prevent mood swings and depression, contributing to dementia prevention efforts.