Socially Engaging Virtual Reality for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Official title: A Social Engaging Restorative Virtual Environment (SERVE) Volunteer Intervention to Support Social Engagement and Well-Being in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11378456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VR-based volunteer program helps older adults with cognitive impairment stay socially connected and improve well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $739,278 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082831-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (likely 65+) with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias who can engage with VR and have a caregiver or volunteer context for ongoing participation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cognitive impairment or those unable to participate in VR activities may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a friendly, person-centered VR experience to encourage social interaction among older adults with mild cognitive impairment or related dementias. Volunteers aged 21 and older will engage with participants in meaningful virtual activities designed to boost mood, cognition, and daily functioning. The program aims to reveal not only whether well-being improves but also how and why the VR engagement works, by studying potential mechanisms and factors that influence success. The approach is portable and scalable, potentially increasing access to engaging, low-cost interventions outside traditional clinics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Participants could experience better mood, greater social connection, and slower decline in daily functioning if the intervention is effective.
How similar studies have gone: Prior VR and social-activation approaches show promise for well-being in older adults, but this exact volunteer-based, VR-engagement model is being tested for mechanisms and moderators.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalantari, Saleh — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Kalantari, Saleh
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.