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Clinical trial Recruiting at 5 sites Interventional Ages 65 and up

Using Virtual Reality to Help Caregivers and Improve Quality of Life for People with Dementia

Official title: VR&R: Providing Respite to Caregivers by Managing BPSDs and Improving QoL in People with Dementia Using Immersive VR-Therapy

Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT05867641 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using virtual reality at home can help caregivers feel less stressed and improve the quality of life for people with dementia.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto
Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Oakville, Ontario and 6 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 12, 2025
Main results expectedFebruary 1, 2027
Study endsFebruary 1, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 28, 2025
Trial IDNCT05867641 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals aged 65 and older diagnosed with dementia who live at home with a family caregiver.

Probably not a fit

Patients with conditions that contraindicate the use of VR headsets, such as seizures, severe visual impairments, or certain medical devices, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional trial explores how immersive Virtual Reality (VR) therapy can be utilized at home by individuals with dementia, with support from their informal caregivers. The study aims to determine if VR therapy can provide respite for caregivers, reduce their feelings of burden, and improve their well-being. Additionally, it investigates whether VR therapy can effectively manage behavioral and psychological symptoms in individuals with dementia and enhance their quality of life. Participants will engage in VR therapy sessions at home for four weeks, using different VR mediums to assess their effectiveness.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly alleviate caregiver burden and enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and individuals with dementia.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have indicated that VR therapy is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for dementia, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria: People with dementia

* Individuals who are 65 years of age or older
* Individuals living at home with a family caregiver
* Individuals diagnosed with dementia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with open wounds on face (sutured lacerations exempted)
* Individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy
* Individuals with a pacemaker
* Individuals with head trauma or stroke leading to their current admission
* Individuals with cervical conditions or injuries that would make it unsafe for them to use the VR headset
* Individuals who identify as being legally blind
* Individuals with alcohol related dementia/ Korsakoff syndrome.
* Individuals who have a Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) as Substitute Decision Maker (SDM)
* Individuals who cannot speak and understand English

Caregiver inclusion criteria:

* Individuals who identify as a primary caregiver for the PwD
* Individuals who have access to the internet through a device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) that can be used during the study

Caregiver exclusion criteria:

* Individuals who cannot speak and understand English
* Individuals who are cognitively unable to provide informed consent for themselves
* Identify as legally blind

Where it's running

  • Acclaim Health
    Oakville, Ontario, Canada     Recruiting
  • Chester Village
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     Recruiting
  • Circle of Care
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     Recruiting
  • Toronto Grace Hospital - Remote Care Monitoring
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     Recruiting
  • Toronto Grace Hospital - Specialized Care Centre
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     Recruiting
  • Toronto Grace Hospital - Main Site
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada     Active not recruiting
Show 1 more location
  • McGill Dementia Education Centre
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada     Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Dementia 1271University Health Network, Toronto 216
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.