Virtual reality exercise and memory program for older adults with mild memory problems
Targeted Physical and Cognitive Activity in a VR Environment in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11397957
This project tries a virtual reality program that combines physical exercise and thinking tasks to help older adults with mild cognitive impairment keep their memory and thinking skills stronger.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11397957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would use a supervised virtual reality program that pairs moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise with spatial memory and other cognitive tasks in a safe, adaptable environment. Sessions are progressively challenging so your body and brain are worked together while researchers track your performance. The team will compare cognitive and brain-health changes over time to see if the combined VR approach produces stronger, longer-lasting memory than exercise or cognitive tasks alone. The focus is on older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a group at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment who can tolerate moderate exercise and travel to the study site.
Not a fit: People without mild cognitive impairment, those with advanced dementia, or those unable to do moderate exercise or use virtual reality are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help slow memory decline or improve thinking skills in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise alone has been shown to help thinking skills in older adults, but combining physical exercise with cognitive training in virtual reality is a newer approach with limited direct evidence so far.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PA, JUDY — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: PA, JUDY
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease risk