The Feasibility and the Efficacy of the Full-immersive Virtual Reality Cognitive Training in Patients With Mild or Moderate Dementia

Launched by CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL · Jun 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a new type of cognitive training using fully immersive virtual reality (VR) can help people with mild to moderate dementia. The VR program was created by Chang Gung University and aims to provide enjoyable mental exercises that may improve thinking skills, daily activities, mood, and overall quality of life. The study will first test if this VR training is practical and emotionally well-received by a small group of patients, then will involve a larger group undergoing 15 training sessions over several weeks to see if the program really helps.

People who might be eligible are those over 55 years old diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia, able to walk and follow instructions, and who have a family member or friend they regularly stay in touch with. Participants will take part in VR sessions lasting about an hour, three times a week, where they will do cognitive exercises in a virtual environment. The study will measure changes in thinking ability, daily functioning, mood, and other health aspects. It’s important to note that people with certain types of dementia, serious health problems, or recent psychiatric issues may not qualify for this study. If you or a loved one meet these criteria and are interested, this trial could offer a new and engaging way to support brain health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age over 55 years;
• • 2. Diagnosed with mild or moderate dementia (primarily degenerative dementia) by a consulting physician or based on past medical records;
• • 3. A score of at least 11 but no more than 23 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE);
• • 4. Has at least one family member or a regularly contacted friend (with the person's mobile number and contact at least once a week);
• • 5. Able to walk independently and complete the Timed Up \& Go (TUG) test;
• • 6. Able to follow instructions with or without the assistance of a guardian or therapist;
• • 7. If the assessment indicates moderate dementia, further evaluation will be conducted to determine whether the participant has sufficient capacity to provide informed consent. If their capacity is found to be impaired, the study will be explained to their legal representative
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Dementia with Lewy Bodies and other dementia types resulting from specific causes, such as Huntington's Disease, substance addiction, central nervous system infections, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic disorders.
• • 2. Severe health conditions that may hinder safe participation, such as respiratory distress, severe cardiovascular disease, or brain tumors.
• • 3. A psychiatric diagnosis of psychosis within the past six months.
• • 4. Diagnosis of Korsakoff syndrome.
• • 5. History of substance addiction.
• • 6. Severe hearing impairment or color blindness.
• • 7. History of severe vertigo or epilepsy.
• • 8. Concurrent participation in other studies that may affect cognitive function