CompletedNot Applicable

Culturally Familiar Nostalgic VR Cognitive Training for Older Adults

Taiwan64 participantsStarted 2025-04-29

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of a nostalgia-based cognitive training intervention delivered via Virtual Reality (VR) on emotional well-being and cognitive functioning among community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) in northern Taiwan, specifically targeting those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. The study, conducted at National Taiwan Normal University, aims to assess whether engaging older adults in nostalgic VR experiences can enhance nostalgia proneness, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, while also reducing depressive symptoms and improving cognitive functions. Participants who meet inclusion criteria (aged 65+, capable of communicating in Mandarin or Taiwanese, without severe psychiatric conditions, with sufficient vision/hearing) will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving the "Brain Health Nostalgic VR Program" or a control group engaged in routine weekly activities. Each session, scheduled twice weekly, spans 25-35 minutes in total, including setup, support, and breaks, while the actual VR usage time is 15-25 minutes depending on individual tolerance. Research staff will provide close support and safety monitoring during all sessions. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes will be measured using standardized assessments: Southampton Nostalgia Scale (SNS), Short-Form Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-SF), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Short-Form Chinese version of Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB-18), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Taiwan Version (MoCA-T). The study emphasizes participant safety and data confidentiality throughout its duration. Findings aim to demonstrate VR's potential as a non-invasive, preventive strategy for cognitive decline and mental health enhancement among older populations.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 65 years or older * Able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese * Capable of wearing and operating a VR headset and handheld controllers * Sufficient vision and hearing to interact with VR content (assistive devices permitted) * Able to provide informed consent or have a legal guardian provide consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of severe dementia or advanced neurodegenerative disease * Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) * Major visual or auditory impairments that would interfere with VR use, even with assistive devices * Unconsciousness, inability to stay awake or focused for the session duration Inability to comply with study protocol or scheduled sessions

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Cognitive Function Assessed by MoCA-T

Timeframe: Baseline, post-intervention (up to 8 weeks), and 3 months post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06973551

SponsorNational Taiwan Normal University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-02-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) trials