Using a VR app to improve cognitive skills in patients with mild cognitive impairment

Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation Plus Virtual Reality App in Patients With Subjective Cognitive Decline, and Mild Cognitive Impairment

NA · IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo · NCT06793735

This study is testing if a virtual reality app can help improve thinking and social skills in people with mild cognitive impairment compared to regular therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment480 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo (other)
Locations1 site (Messina, Italy)
Trial IDNCT06793735 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program that incorporates a virtual reality (VR) app aimed at enhancing cognitive performance and social skills in patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Participants will undergo initial assessments including neurological exams and neuropsychological tests, followed by a 6-week intervention where one group uses the VR app while another group engages in traditional cognitive rehabilitation. The study will measure changes in cognitive functions, social skills, brain activity, eye movements, and gait patterns to determine the efficacy of the VR approach compared to conventional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40-80 diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Subjective Cognitive Decline.

Not a fit: Patients with severe dementia or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive and social functioning in patients with early signs of cognitive decline.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional cognitive rehabilitation has shown benefits, the use of VR in telerehabilitation is an emerging approach that has not been extensively tested in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects diagnosed with MCI (AD and PD) according to the criteria of the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA, Albert et al., 2011)
* Subjects diagnosed with SCD according to diagnostic criteria proposed in research settings (Molinuevo et al., 2017)
* All enrolled subjects must be aged between 40 and 80 years and have at least 5 years of education

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of psychiatric disorders (major depression, psychosis, anxiety disorders)
* Presence of severe dementia
* History of cerebral ischemia
* Contraindications to brain MRI: pregnant women, pacemakers, non-latest-generation metal joint prostheses, electrodes, neurostimulators, or prostheses that may interfere with magnetic fields, unless there is a written statement of suitability from the specialist who performed the intervention

Where this trial is running

Messina, Italy

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cognitive Dysfunction, Subjective Health, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson Disease, Telerehabilitation, Virtual Reality, Subjective Cognitive Decline

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.