Using Virtual Reality to Help Caregivers and Improve Quality of Life for People with Dementia
VR&R: Providing Respite to Caregivers by Managing BPSDs and Improving QoL in People with Dementia Using Immersive VR-Therapy
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 7 sites (Oakville, Ontario and 6 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05867641 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 65 and older diagnosed with dementia who live at home with a family caregiver.
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.
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 performed: Other studies have indicated that VR therapy is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for dementia, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Oakville, Ontario and 6 other locations
- Acclaim Health — Oakville, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Chester Village — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Circle of Care — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Toronto Grace Hospital - Main Site — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Active_not_recruiting)
- Toronto Grace Hospital - Remote Care Monitoring — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Toronto Grace Hospital - Specialized Care Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- McGill Dementia Education Centre — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lora Appel, PhD
- Email: lora.appel@yorku.ca
- Phone: 6475046537
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.