Virtual reality cognitive training for ICU delirium survivors
Virtual Reality Cognitive Intervention for Critically Ill Delirium Survivors (VR-Cog)
This project will try virtual reality brain games at home to see if they help memory, attention, and mood in older adults who had delirium after a critical illness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07496255 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional pilot enrolls adults aged 50 and older who experienced acute respiratory failure and screened positive for ICU delirium; participants use a VR headset and hand controllers at home. The trial compares a VR-based cognitive training program to a VR-based attention-control program while measuring feasibility, acceptability, and adherence. Cognitive performance (memory and attention) and mood are measured before and after the intervention, with follow-up visits at the Indiana University Health site. Exploratory analyses will examine symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 50 or older who were admitted to an ICU with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and screened positive for delirium, without pre-existing dementia or acute neurologic injury.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing dementia, severe chronic cognitive or sensory impairments, or acute neurologic injuries are unlikely to benefit and are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve memory, attention, and mood and provide a scalable home-based therapy to reduce cognitive decline after ICU delirium.
How similar studies have performed: Some cognitive rehab and VR programs have shown promise in stroke and mild cognitive impairment populations, but VR for ICU delirium survivors is largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 50 years or older * English speaking * Admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute respiratory failure/invasive mechanical ventilation * Screening positive for delirium (using Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale and Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU) Exclusion Criteria: * Acute neurologic injury such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain mass, intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, or central nervous system infection * Chronic cognitive or physical function deficit preventing participation in study interventions or assessments (determined by chart diagnoses and direct participant interview) * Chronic cognitive impairment (including mild cognitive impairment or dementia) identified by chart diagnosis, prescription of anti-dementia medications, or Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly Score (IQCODE) \>3.3 obtained from family caregiver * Severe, uncorrected vision or hearing impairment preventing participation in intervention or outcomes assessments * Admitted with acute alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal * Severe, uncontrolled psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) * History of severe vertigo, motion-induced sickness, headaches, light sensitivity, seizures, or prior intolerance of virtual reality (VR) * Receiving comfort care measures or not expected to survive the hospitalization * Prisoners or patients unable to provide consent * Not expected to be discharged home from the hospital, or living more than 50 miles from the nearest recruitment site, or homeless
Where this trial is running
Indianapolis, Indiana
- IU Health Methodist Hospital — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sikandar Khan, DO, MS — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Sikandar Khan, DO, MS
- Email: sikhan@iu.edu
- Phone: (317) 274-9427
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.