Proof-of-Concept Study on the Use of Virtual Reality with Evocative and Aesthetic Content for Elderly Individuals with Cognitive Decline
Source abstract
Abstract
Recent technological advances have introduced novel therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study introduces a novel virtual reality (VR) intervention consisting of aesthetically pleasing and relaxing immersive videos paired with evocative music for patients with or without cognitive decline. The goal of this intervention is to improve the mood, evoke autobiographical memories in, and enhance the overall well-being of elderly individuals, across stages of cognitive decline (from absent to severe). Twenty-one elderly participants (5 cognitively healthy, 13 with a mild cognitive decline, 2 with a moderate decline, and 1 with a severe decline) were exposed to immersive 360-degree videos depicting both familiar and unfamiliar, pleasant and calming environments, accompanied by emotionally evocative, pleasant, and soothing music. The results demonstrated high levels of immersion and predominantly positive emotional responses, with several participants reporting autobiographical memory recall triggered by the VR stimulation. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in mood over time, regardless of cognitive status, supporting the effectiveness of the intervention. While there were some side effects of fatigue or transient anxiety, the experience was generally perceived as engaging and meaningful. This feasibility study adds to the acceptability and potential clinical utility of VR interventions and provides a justification for future larger trials aimed at the integration of immersive technologies into cognitive rehabilitation interventions for individuals at different stages of cognitive decline.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Diverse Topics in Contemporary Research · Diverse Approaches in Healthcare and Education Studies · Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
Centro Servizi per la Famiglia “Libertà”, 70123 Bari, Italy
Center for Music in the Brain (MIB), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University & Royal Academy of Music Aarhus/Aalborg, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Funding
European Union—Next Generation EU · PON “Research and Innovation” 2014–2020 · PSICHE—Intelligent Software Platform for the Analysis and Evaluation of Cognitive Functional Characteristics in VR and AR Stimulation Experiments project · Danish National Research Foundation
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