VR&R: Providing Caregiver Respite by Managing BPSDs and Improving QoL in People with Dementia Using Immersive VR-Therapy

Launched by UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, TORONTO · May 10, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called VR&R, is exploring how immersive Virtual Reality (VR) therapy can help individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The main goal is to see if using VR at home can give caregivers some much-needed break time while also helping manage the behavioral and emotional symptoms of dementia for their loved ones. The trial will look into whether caregivers feel less burdened and more supported, and if the VR experiences can improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.

To participate, individuals must be at least 65 years old, living at home with a family caregiver, and diagnosed with dementia. Caregivers should be the primary support for the person with dementia and have internet access. Participants will receive training on how to use the VR technology and will engage in 30-minute VR sessions over four weeks, where they can watch immersive videos alone or together with their caregiver. After each session, they will answer some questions and share their experiences with the researchers. This study aims to find out the best ways to use VR therapy to help both caregivers and individuals with dementia feel better.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria: People with dementia
• • Individuals who are 65 years of age or older
• • Individuals living at home with a family caregiver
• • Individuals diagnosed with dementia
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with open wounds on face (sutured lacerations exempted)
• • Individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy
• • Individuals with a pacemaker
• • Individuals with head trauma or stroke leading to their current admission
• • Individuals with cervical conditions or injuries that would make it unsafe for them to use the VR headset
• • Individuals who identify as being legally blind
• • Individuals with alcohol related dementia/ Korsakoff syndrome.
• • Individuals who have a Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) as Substitute Decision Maker (SDM)
• • Individuals who cannot speak and understand English
• Caregiver inclusion criteria:
• • Individuals who identify as a primary caregiver for the PwD
• • Individuals who have access to the internet through a device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) that can be used during the study
• Caregiver exclusion criteria:
• • Individuals who cannot speak and understand English
• • Individuals who are cognitively unable to provide informed consent for themselves
• • Identify as legally blind