Efficacy of An Immersive Nature-based Virtual Reality Program on Depression, Emotional Health, and Qualityof-Life among Care Facility Residents with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and its Related Dementias (ADRD)

Abstract

Objectives: Research demonstrates the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) based interventions in enhancing the physical, mental, and cognitive functioning of older adults. Yet, little research has investigated the effects of an immersive nature-based VR (INVR) program on the mental health and quality-of-life of older people living with dementia (PLWD) who reside in memory care unit facilities. In this study, we tested the effects of an INVR program on depression, emotional health, and quality-of-life among older PLWD. Methods: Employing a 5-week randomized clinical trial, INVR group participants (N=16) participated in a total of 10 nature-based sessions lasting 30-40 minutes while the control group (N=16) received usual care. We conducted a pretest-posttest analysis to investigate changes in 3 outcome variables after participation in the INVR program. Results: Overall, the INVR intervention group reported lower depression scores and higher emotional health and quality-of-life scores than the control group. Conclusion: This finding suggests that participation in an INVR program can be effective in reducing depressive symptoms and promoting emotional health and quality-of-life among the older PLWD.