VR Therapy for Dementia
(VR&R Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+7 other locations

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this interventional trial is to learn about how immersive Virtual Reality (VR) therapy can be used at home by individuals with dementia, with assistance from their informal (e.g., friend/family) caregivers. The main question it aims to answer are: 1. Can caregivers receive quality respite time by using VR-therapy at home with their loved ones with dementia? Does this intervention reduce feelings of burden and improve well-being and resilience for caregivers? 2. Does VR-therapy help to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms (e.g., mood, apathy, agitation) and improve quality of life for individuals with dementia? 3. What types of VR "medium" (passive or cooperative) are most effective for achieving the above objectives? Participant pairs will be asked to: * Take part in an initial at-home VR technology training session and complete a series of brief questionnaires (e.g., health history/technology use, well-being/quality of life, symptoms of dementia) * Use "VR\&R" (VR Rest \& Relaxation Therapy) for a period of 4 weeks (30 minute sessions, desired frequency), and answer a brief set of questions after each VR\&R session * Provide feedback on the VR\&R intervention in semi-structured interview with the researcher and answer additional questionnaires at a 2-week follow-up During VR\&R sessions, participants with dementia will have the opportunity to choose to watch (1) immersive 360-degree videos (e.g., of a live performance, or beach) on their own and (2) experience the same VR videos together with a researcher. Caregivers will be asked to assist their loved one with dementia to use VR\&R by helping to put on the VR headset, selecting a VR experience through a user-friendly application, and remaining nearby to supervise and provide assistance as needed. During VR\&R sessions, caregivers may use this time to take a personal break or complete short tasks (e.g., make a cup of coffee, have an uninterrupted phone call).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people with dementia aged 65 or older living at home with a family caregiver who can access the internet. Caregivers should be able to speak and understand English, provide consent, and assist their loved one. Excluded are those with certain legal guardianships, language barriers, pacemakers, blindness, open facial wounds (except sutured lacerations), seizure history, recent head trauma or stroke, unsafe cervical conditions for VR use, or alcohol-related dementia.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a primary caregiver with internet access and a device for the study.

People diagnosed with dementia

I am 65 or older with dementia.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am legally blind.

People with alcohol-related dementia/Korsakoff syndrome

I do not have any open wounds on my face, except for stitched cuts.

+9 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if immersive VR therapy helps caregivers get respite time and improves well-being while managing symptoms of dementia like mood swings and agitation in patients. It explores which type of VR content—passive videos, interactive games or cooperative experiences—is most effective over three weeks of sessions.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: VR&R Therapy - Solo FirstExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Recruited dyads will include one person diagnosed with dementia and their caregiver (e.g., family/friend). The caregiver will assist their loved ones with dementia to use VR-therapy at home. Caregivers may use the time while their loved ones are engaged for respite, remaining nearby to supervise and assist. For the first two weeks, only the caregiver will be present to use VR with the person with dementia. For the following two weeks, a research assistant will be present to use VR with the person with dementia.

Group II: VR&R Therapy - Social FirstExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Recruited dyads will include one person diagnosed with dementia and their caregiver (e.g., family/friend). The caregiver will assist their loved ones with dementia to use VR-therapy at home. Caregivers may use the time while their loved ones are engaged for respite, remaining nearby to supervise and assist. For the first two weeks, a research assistant will be present to use VR with the person with dementia. For the following two weeks, only the caregiver will be present.