Immersive virtual reality cognitive training in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Feasibility results from a randomized controlled trial.
Federica Sancassiani, Alessandra Perra, Veronica Vacca et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This single-centre randomized controlled feasibility trial evaluated a 6-week immersive virtual reality (VR) cognitive training program in adults aged 65 years or older with mild cognitive impairment, compared with healthy lifestyle education. Forty participants were randomized. No participants dropped out of the VR group, compared with a 30% dropout rate in the control group; VR-related side effects were mild and transient. There were no significant between-group differences in cognitive or depressive outcomes. Social and behavioral rhythms remained stable with VR and worsened in controls, with a borderline between-group difference; a higher proportion of VR participants had clinically meaningful improvement in rhythm regulation.
Key findings
- No dropouts occurred in the VR group, compared with a 30% dropout rate in the control group.
- VR-related side effects were mild and transient.
- No significant between-group differences were found in cognitive performance or depressive symptoms.
- Rhythms remained stable with VR and worsened in controls; a significantly higher proportion of VR participants showed clinically meaningful improvement in rhythm regulation.
Why it matters
Feasibility and tolerability are important when evaluating cognitive interventions for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that immersive VR training can be delivered with few reported side effects, while the rhythm outcomes offer a preliminary signal beyond cognitive and depressive measures. These results are exploratory and do not establish a short-term cognitive benefit.
What to keep in mind
This was a single-centre feasibility trial with 40 participants and 6 weeks of follow-up; the rhythm finding was borderline between groups.