Virtual reality-based cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage before dementia, representing a key period for intervention.
• Conventional cognitive training (CCT) faces challenges with engagement and adherence, limiting its efficacy in mitigating cognitive decline.
• Virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) offers immersive and interactive experiences, potentially improving cognitive training outcomes in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare the effectiveness of VRCT versus CCT in individuals diagnosed with MCI.
• To evaluate the impact of VRCT and CCT on cognitive domains, general cognition, functional autonomy, and psychoaffective status.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed on Web of Science and PubMed, identifying 2,256 initial records.
• Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting eligibility criteria were included in the review.
• Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and key outcomes included cognitive function and daily living abilities.

Main Results:

• Virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to conventional cognitive training (CCT).
• VRCT significantly improved general cognition, complex attention, and perceptual-motor function in individuals with MCI.
• Improvements were observed across various cognitive domains when comparing VRCT to CCT.

Conclusions:

• VRCT presents a promising and engaging intervention for individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• The findings suggest VRCT may be more effective than CCT in enhancing cognitive function.
• Further high-quality, multicenter research with standardized measures and long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm VRCT's clinical utility and generalizability.