Effectiveness of Cognitive Training based on Virtual Reality for the Elderly

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Virtual reality (VR) has been thought to have great usability to enhance cognitive functions. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a VR program which was developed to improve cognition of the elderly. METHOD: After developing a VR program, we set special input units and a large projection type monitor for the elderly. The VR program simulated 17 different house-hold tasks. Thirty elderly persons including 9 mild-dementia and 21 none-dementia were involved and were randomly divided into two groups. Fifteen were belonged to the training group and the other 15 belonged to the control group. The training group subjects underwent this VR program for 4 weeks by 3 times a week. Cognitive function change was assess by neuropsychological test scores before and after training period. RESULTS: In the training group, scores in attention and immediate and delayed auditory memory tests were improved after training. However the control group didn't show any changes. And most subjects of the training group enjoyed this program. CONCLUSION: VR based cognitive training is a useful method to enhance cognitive functions for the elderly.