Using virtual reality to improve spatial memory in people with mild cognitive impairment
Low-Cost Virtual Therapeutics and Digital Biomarkers for the Early Assessment and Personalized Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment
NA · Istituto Auxologico Italiano · NCT06079411
This study is testing whether virtual reality training can help improve spatial memory in people with mild cognitive impairment compared to traditional exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istituto Auxologico Italiano (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, Lombardy) |
| Trial ID | NCT06079411 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and test virtual therapeutics designed to enhance spatial memory in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) through virtual reality rehabilitation. A total of 36 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: embodied low-end spatial VR training, non-embodied low-end spatial VR training, or treatment as usual involving traditional visuospatial exercises. Each participant will undergo at least eight sessions of training, with assessments of spatial memory conducted at three different time points: before the intervention, immediately after, and following a control waiting period. The focus will be on measuring improvements in both egocentric and allocentric memory.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 65 and older who exhibit mild cognitive impairment without a diagnosis of dementia.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those with significant physical or functional deficits, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance spatial memory and cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in cognitive rehabilitation is emerging, this specific approach targeting spatial memory in MCI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * a change in cognition recognized by patients or observers (Caregiver/examiner) * an objective impairment in one or more cognitive domains using traditional neuropsychological tests; * autonomy or slight dependence on daily life activities; * absence of diagnosis of dementia * absence of cognitive impairment measured by the mini-mental state examination; * aged 65 or over Exclusion Criteria: * the presence of acute stroke/transient ischemic attack occurred in the 6 months prior to the enrollment visit; * the presence of aphasia and/or neglect; * the presence of other concomitants severe neurological/psychiatric diseases (e.g., hemiparesis, multiple system atrophy, muscular skeletal/orthopedic deficits that limit movement) * the presence of physical and/or functional deficits; * the comorbidity with severe neurological and/or psychiatric diseases (e.g., neoplasms, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, addiction, personality disorder, eating disorder) or with psychiatric conditions not under drug treatment (anxiety-depressive syndrome, bipolarism); * the history of head trauma with loss of consciousness * recurrent vertigo.
Where this trial is running
Milan, Lombardy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano — Milan, Lombardy, Italy (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cosimo Tuena
- Email: c.tuena@auxologico.it
- Phone: 0261911
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.
Conditions: Mild Cognitive Impairment