The Effects of Virtual Reality Group Reminiscence Therapy on Agitation, Cognition, Depression and Social Function in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease.
Dongying Chen, Hongyan Wang, Cuihong Su et al.
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In 30 seconds
This assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial evaluated multisensory virtual reality group reminiscence therapy in 60 people with Alzheimer’s disease, comparing twice-weekly 40-minute sessions for 8 weeks with routine care. After the intervention, the VR group had lower agitation scores than controls (NPI: 4.2 ± 1.9 vs. 1.7 ± 1.2, p < 0.001), alongside reported improvements in cognition, depressive symptoms, social function, mental health and autobiographical memory specificity. Acceptance was high, and reported side effects were minor. The findings support potential benefit and feasibility, while reflecting outcomes measured over the intervention period.
Key findings
- Post-intervention NPI agitation scores were 4.2 ± 1.9 vs. 1.7 ± 1.2 in the control and VR groups, respectively (p < 0.001).
- MMSE scores were 23.5 ± 2.1 vs. 27.1 ± 1.4, and GDS-15 scores were 9.8 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 1.2; both outcomes favoured VR.
- Social function and mental health SF-36 subscales improved (both p < 0.05); AMT event specificity was 3.2 vs. 6.2 (p < 0.01).
- Acceptance scores were high, while VRSQ findings indicated minor side effects, including eye fatigue < 1.3.
Why it matters
Agitation, mood symptoms and impaired social functioning can affect quality of life in Alzheimer’s disease. This trial suggests that structured, immersive group reminiscence may improve several behavioural and psychosocial outcomes while being acceptable and associated with minor reported side effects. The results add evidence for a non-pharmacological approach, although they do not establish longer-term benefit.
What to keep in mind
Outcomes were assessed before and after an 8-week intervention; the abstract does not report longer-term follow-up.