Effects of Virtual Reality Physical and Cognitive Training Intervention On Cognitive Abilities of Elders with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Eleni Baldimtsi; Christos Mouzakidis; Eleni Maria Karathanasi; Eleni Verykouki; Mary Hassandra; Evangelos Galanis; Antonis Hatzigeorgiadis; Marios Goudas; Paul Zikas; Giannis Evangelou; George Papagiannakis; George Bellis; Christos Kokkotis; Themistoklis Tsatalas; Giannis Giakas; Yannis Theodorakis; Magda Tsolaki

doi:10.3233/ADR-230099

Effects of Virtual Reality Physical and Cognitive Training Intervention On Cognitive Abilities of Elders with Mild Cognitive Impairment

J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2023 Dec 29;7(1):1475-1490. doi: 10.3233/ADR-230099. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Eleni Baldimtsi^{1

2}, Christos Mouzakidis¹, Eleni Maria Karathanasi¹, Eleni Verykouki^{3

4}, Mary Hassandra⁵, Evangelos Galanis⁵, Antonis Hatzigeorgiadis⁵, Marios Goudas⁵, Paul Zikas⁶, Giannis Evangelou⁶, George Papagiannakis^{6

7}, George Bellis⁸, Christos Kokkotis^{5

8}, Themistoklis Tsatalas⁵, Giannis Giakas⁵, Yannis Theodorakis⁵, Magda Tsolaki^{1

9}

Affiliations

¹ Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders, Alzheimer Hellas, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
² 1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
³ School of Medicine, Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
⁴ Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece.
⁵ School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece.
⁶ ORamaVR S.A., Science and Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
⁷ Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
⁸ Biomechanical Solutions Engineering (BME), Karditsa, Greece.
⁹ Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI - AUTh), Balkan Center, Building A, Greece.

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly used for assessment and intervention in the neuroscience field.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of a VR Training System, named VRADA (VR Exercise App for Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients), on the cognitive functioning of older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: In this intervention study, 122 older adults with MCI were randomly assigned to five groups (the VRADA group (n = 28), a bike group (n = 11), a physical exercise group (n = 24), a mixed group (physical and cognitive exercise) (n = 31), and a non-contact control group (n = 28). The VRADA group underwent 32 physical and cognitive training sessions, performed 2 or 3 times weekly for 12 weeks in the VR environment. All participants had detailed neuropsychological assessments before and after intervention.

Results: A series of linear regression models revealed that the VRADA group showed improvement or no deterioration in cognitive decline in global cognitive function (MMSE), verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and WAIS forward test), and executive functions, mental flexibility (Trail Making Test B).

Conclusions: This interventionstudy indicates that the VRADA system improves the cognitive function of elders with MCI.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; mild cognitive impairment; multi-component intervention; physical-cognitive training; virtual reality.