Virtual Reality in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Visually Impaired Older Individuals with Dementia

Applying Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and Virtual Reality-based CST on People with Concurrent Visual Impairment and Dementia: a Feasibility Pilot Study

Both visual impairment and dementia are prevalent in the elderly population. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based intervention for people with mild-to-moderate dementia. Virtual reality (VR) has been used in cognitive rehabilitation. However, the efficacy of CST and the feasibility of incorporating VR into therapy targeting people with dementia and visual impairment (PwDVI) have rarely been explored. The current pilot study addressed two issues: 1) To study the efficacy of conventional CST on PwDVI in different cognitive domains and 2) To explore the feasibility and efficacy of VR-CST on PwDVI in various cognitive domains.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Cantonese speakers;
2. suspected or having a medical diagnosis of dementia, with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-minute protocol (MoCA-5) score ranging from 2 to 17, which is equal to the Cantonese Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ranging from 10 to 24 by using the conversion table from Wong et al,
3. a diagnosis of mild to moderate visual impairment determined by an optometrist,
4. no other disability including physical illness, learning disability and severe hearing impairment that may affect participation in group activity,
5. not currently on psychiatric medication/cognitive intervention, (6) no history of other neurological diseases, and

(7) did not receive any prior CST.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. currently on psychiatric medication/cognitive intervention, (6) no history of other neurological diseases,
2. currently on psychiatric medication/cognitive intervention, (6) no history of other neurological diseases,
3. prior exposure to CST