Impact of reminiscence therapy using virtual reality on psychological symptoms and behavior of people with dementia

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the impact of a reminiscence therapy (VR) program using virtual reality (VR) with the impact of a VR program using a traditional stimulus on the manifestation of psychological and behavioral symptoms in people with dementia during the various sessions. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial, with an experimental design, in which a sample of 14 elderly people recruited by convenience was followed, divided into two intervention groups: traditional CA (control) and CA using VR (experimental). The intervention consisted of 8 sessions, twice a week. During each session an observation grid was filled out regarding the manifestation of behavioral and psychological symptoms and the participant's involvement. We also used the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, administered before and after exposure to the video, to assess the increase in the degree of manifestation of adverse symptoms associated with the simulation. Results:There were no significant differences between the groups regarding gender, level of education, age, degree of independence in ADLs and IADLs and cognitive decline, as well as in terms of behavioral symptomatology manifestation and adverse symptomatology during the sessions. As regards the involvement in the experience, the behaviors observed were globally positive, with sharing of mostly positive memories and a slightly higher involvement of the participants exposed to immersive environments (VR) than in the control group. Conclusion: In general, the impact of the different intervention programs seems to be similar. Through this study, evidence was generated about the safety and feasibility of applying VR in this type of intervention, validating its continued use.