The Effect of a Virtual Reality-Based Intervention Program on Cognition in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Control Trial

• Published in: Journal of clinical medicine Vol. 9; no. 5; p. 1283
• Main Authors: Thapa, Ngeemasara, Park, Hye Jin, Yang, Ja-Gyeong, Son, Haeun, Jang, Minwoo, Lee, Jihyeon, Kang, Seung Wan, Park, Kyung Won, Park, Hyuntae
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 29.04.2020; MDPI
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease; Clinical medicine; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Dementia; Electroencephalography; Executive function; Exercise; Feasibility studies; Fireworks; Intervention; Memory; Older people; Virtual reality; South Korea; dementia; virtual reality; mild cognitive impairment; electroencephalogram
• ISSN: 2077-0383; 2077-0383
• DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051283

This study aimed to investigate the association between a virtual reality (VR) intervention program and cognitive, brain and physical functions in high-risk older adults. In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 68 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The MCI diagnosis was based on medical evaluations through a clinical interview conducted by a dementia specialist. Cognitive assessments were performed by neuropsychologists according to standardized methods, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and frontal cognitive function: trail making test (TMT) A & B, and symbol digit substitute test (SDST). Resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) was measured in eyes open and eyes closed conditions for 5 minutes each, with a 19-channel wireless EEG device. The VR intervention program (3 times/week, 100 min each session) comprised four types of VR game-based content to improve the attention, memory and processing speed. Analysis of the subjects for group–time interactions revealed that the intervention group exhibited a significantly improved executive function and brain function at the resting state. Additionally, gait speed and mobility were also significantly improved between and after the follow-up. The VR-based training program improved cognitive and physical function in patients with MCI relative to controls. Encouraging patients to perform VR and game-based training may be beneficial to prevent cognitive decline.