Virtual Reality (VR) for Neurodegenerative Disorders: Key Findings and Future Directions

Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as a non-pharmacological tool in healthcare with significant potential for addressing cognitive and behavioral symptoms of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Its immersive and customizable nature offers novel therapeutic opportunities, particularly for dementia-related conditions. This presentation summarizes findings from four studies exploring VR applications and their role in enhancing patient-centered care for neurodegenerative disorders. The first study evaluated personalized VR scenarios for older adults with cognitive impairments, demonstrating high engagement, relaxation, and positive reminiscence effects. Minimal discomfort was noted, though improvements in wearability and usability are needed. Building on this, the second study examined how tailored multi-sensory VR environments help manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia by reducing agitation and promoting emotional well-being. In the third study, we explored VR-based Reminiscence Therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s-related mild cognitive impairment, integrating AI-generated visuals and adaptive storytelling to foster emotional engagement, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve quality of life. The fourth study assessed the integration of VR and digital tools within clinical settings, identifying usability challenges, adoption barriers, and ethical considerations. Methods: Participants included 23 dementia patients (study 1), 20 inpatients with cognitive impairment (study 2), and 20 outpatients with Parkinson’s-related mild cognitive impairment (study 3). The fourth study involved 10 healthcare staff members as stakeholders. Data collection relied on self-reports, observational tools, and focus groups with patients and healthcare professionals. Results: The initial study showed high feasibility and acceptability, with VR enabling the creation of personalized environments beyond real-world constraints. Preliminary findings from ongoing studies highlight VR’s capacity to enhance emotional well-being, reduce agitation, and provide meaningful engagement. Conclusions and Future Directions: VR demonstrates promising potential to improve cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for neurodegenerative conditions. Future research will focus on refining interventions, improving accessibility, expanding AI-driven personalization, and conducting large-scale trials to establish evidence-based practices in dementia care.