Integration of VR and AR Dementia Prevention Health Education Progrom for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Launched by NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY · Mar 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is a randomized, controlled study in Taiwan that tests whether a virtual reality (VR) education program helps older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) learn more about dementia, improve their ability to understand and use dementia information, and develop more positive attitudes toward dementia. Participants are randomly assigned to either the VR-based dementia prevention education (five VR sessions) or to standard health education without VR. The researchers will measure changes in dementia-related knowledge and health literacy right before the VR session, immediately after, and again about three months later to see if any benefits last.

To join, you’d need to be 65 or older, have a brief indication of some cognitive changes (AD-8 score of 2 or higher), and be able to understand Mandarin or Taiwanese and give consent. You also must be able to tolerate using VR equipment and not have moderate to severe dementia or significant sensory, motor, or psychiatric issues that would interfere with the VR experience. The study is run by National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, with about 100 participants planned. It’s currently enrolling by invitation, started in late 2024, and is not testing a drug or FDA-regulated device. Secondary outcomes include self-efficacy and attitudes toward dementia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 65 years and older.
• • AD-8 score of 2 or higher, indicating possible cognitive impairment.
• • Ability to understand and follow basic instructions in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• • Capacity to provide informed consent or have a legally authorized representative to provide consent.
• • Ability to tolerate and interact with VR equipment (e.g., wearing a VR headset, using hand controllers).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed with moderate to severe dementia (i.e., unable to follow basic instructions).
• • Presence of severe visual, auditory, or motor impairments that hinder interaction with VR devices.
• • Diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, major depressive disorder).
• • Unable to communicate effectively in Mandarin or Taiwanese.