RecruitingNot Applicable

VR-Based Cognitive Stimulation Games for Delirium Prevention

United States90 participantsStarted 2026-04-24

Plain-language summary

This trial aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive stimulation game to reduce postoperative delirium among older surgical patients at high risk due to pre-existing cognitive impairment.

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: * Men and women ≥65 years of age * Have a pre-existing diagnosis of cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Score of 15-24) * Elective or emergency major surgery with the expectation of admission to the Intensive Care Unit following the surgery for three days following surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing Intubation and invasive ventilation; * history of severe mental illness; * admission for a drug overdose; * severe vertigo; * history of severe postoperative nausea and vomiting; * hearing and visual impairment; * preexisting severe dementia (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Score \< 15; and * active delirium at the time of screening for eligibility criteria. * Active suicidal ideation or behavior Screen failure after surgery * Prolonged intubation after surgery (more than 24 hours)

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.

1Since this trial is focused on testing whether the VR program is feasible, safe, and usable — rather than proving it prevents delirium — what does that mean for what I can realistically expect to get out of participating?
2Are there any concerns about using a VR headset in my specific situation, such as my type of surgery, age, or any vision or balance issues I have, that might make it uncomfortable or unsafe for me?
3How does this VR cognitive stimulation approach compare to the standard delirium prevention steps your team already takes after surgery, and would I still receive those standard measures if I join the trial?
4What does participation actually look like day-to-day after my surgery — how often would I use the VR program, for how long, and would that be realistic given how I typically feel during recovery?
5If the trial is still in this early feasibility stage, is there enough existing evidence about VR-based delirium prevention that you feel confident it's a reasonable option to consider alongside or instead of other approaches?

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

Feasibility of the trial and VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: At Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)

Adherence of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: Baseline to Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)

Safety of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: Postoperative day 1 -3

Acceptability of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: At Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)

Usability of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: At Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07641153

SponsorThe Methodist Hospital Research Institute

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2029-05-01

Contact for this trial

Hina Faisal, MD

346-356-1400 hfaisal@houstonmethodist.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Surgery trials

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.

What they're measuring

Feasibility of the trial and VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: At Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)

Adherence of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: Baseline to Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)

Safety of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: Postoperative day 1 -3

Acceptability of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: At Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)

Usability of VR-based cognitive stimulation intervention

Timeframe: At Postoperative day 7 or Hospital discharge (whichever comes first)