Effects of an immersive virtual reality reminiscence intervention on engagement, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and well-being of people with dementia: A randomized crossover trial

Pereira, Miguel; Leite, Cláudia; Campos, Carlos; Coelho, Tiago

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/30715

Use this identifier to reference this record.

Name:	Description:	Size:	Format:
ART_Miguel Pereira.pdf		841.91 KB	Adobe PDF	Download

Send Feedback

Authors

Abstract(s)

Virtual reality (VR) is a novel technology that can facilitate reminiscence in people with dementia. However, few studies have explored the role of VR’s immersiveness in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the effects of an immersive VR reminiscence session compared to a non-immersive session, focusing on engagement, behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), and well-being, using behavioral observation and physiological metrics. A randomized crossover trial with a seven-day washout period was conducted. Engagement, BPSD and well-being were assessed before, during and after each intervention using both observational scales and heart rate variability analysis. 20 participants (average age 80.55 years, 90% women) were recruited. Significant pre-post differences were found in behavioral engagement (z=−2.67, p=0.008) and facial expression of apathy (z=−2.12, p=0.034) during the immersive intervention. Additionally, lower apathy in terms of purposeful activity was observed during the immersive intervention (z=−2.24, p=0.025). These results are particularly noteworthy given the sample size, which, although small, highlights a clear trend of behavioral and apathy change. The results suggest that VR’s immersiveness can enhance engagement in dementia intervention programs. As VR technology becomes more accessible and safer, continued research is needed to explore its therapeutic potential.

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease Behavioral and psychological symptoms Dementia Engagement Heart rate variability Reminiscence therapy Virtual reality Well-being

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/30715

Citation

Pereira, M., Leite, C., Campos, C., & Coelho, T. (2025). Effects of an immersive virtual reality reminiscence intervention on engagement, behavioral and psychological symptoms, and well-being of people with dementia: A randomized crossover trial. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 107(4), 1517–1529. https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877251371236