The effects of combining virtual reality training with aromatherapy on Alzheimer′s disease patients in a nursing home / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore any effects of combining virtual reality training with aromatherapy in caring for Alzheimer′s disease patients in a nursing home.Methods:Fifty nursing home residents with Alzheimer′s were divided at random into an observation group and a control group, each of 25. Both groups received routine rehabilitation, while the observation group was additionally given 45 minutes of virtual reality training combined with aromatherapy, 3 times a week for 6 months. Both groups′ cognition was then evaluated using the MMSE and an Alzheimer′s cognition assessment scale (ADAS-cog). Psycho-behavioral symptoms were quantified using the Alzheimer′s disease pathological behavior scale (BEHAVE-AD). Motor functioning was quantified using the timed up and go test (TUGT), the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30sCST), the 30-second arm curl test (30sACT) and the sit-and-reach test (CSRT). Ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) and life quality were quantified using the activity of daily living scale and of the quality of life scale for Alzheimer′s disease (QOL-AD) before and after the intervention.Results:After the intervention the average MMSE, ADAS-cog, BEHAVE-AD and ADL scores of both groups had improved significantly, with the average improvement in the observation group significantly greater than that in the control group. The TUGT, 30sCST, 30sACT and CSRT results of both groups were also significantly better, with those of the observation group again significantly superior, on average, to the control group′s results. The average QOL-AD score in the observation was significantly improved after the intervention, and was then significantly better than the control group′s average.Conclusions:Virtual reality training combined with aromatherapy can significantly improve the cognition, psycho-behavioral symptoms, activity in daily living, motor functioning and life quality of Alzheimer′s patients in a nursing home. It is worthy of promotion and application in nursing homes.