RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

VR&R: Providing Caregiver Respite by Managing BPSDs and Improving QoL in People with Dementia Using Immersive VR-Therapy

This study is exploring if virtual reality (VR) therapy, used at home, can help people with dementia and their family carers. We want to see if VR can improve the mood, behaviour, and overall quality of life for individuals with dementia. At the same time, we're investigating if carers get valuable time to themselves while their loved one is using VR, and if this helps reduce their stress and improves their own well-being. The study will also help us understand which types of VR experiences (like watching a video alone or with a researcher) work best. Participants will use VR for a few weeks, and share their experiences through simple questionnaires and chats.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

12 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2027

Dementia

What is this study about?

You're probably here because you or someone you care for is living with dementia. We know that caring for someone with dementia can be very demanding, and it's common for carers to feel stressed or tired. This study aims to explore a new way to help both people with dementia and their carers: through something called Virtual Reality, or VR.

VR uses special headsets to create immersive experiences, making you feel like you're in a different place, like on a beach or watching a performance. We want to understand if these VR experiences can help people with dementia manage some of the challenges they face, such as changes in mood, feeling withdrawn, or becoming restless. We also want to find out if, while the person with dementia is enjoying VR, their carer gets a much-needed break. This could mean a short time to relax, make a cup of tea, or simply have a quiet moment without needing to provide direct care.

The study will look at different ways VR can be used. For example, some people might watch VR videos on their own, while others might have a researcher join them virtually within the VR world. By doing this, we hope to discover which types of VR experiences are most helpful and enjoyable for people with dementia, and which ones provide the best support for their carers. We believe the results of this study could lead to new ways of using technology to improve life for many families affected by dementia.

Key takeaways

Exploring if VR can help people with dementia feel better.
Investigating if VR gives carers a needed break and reduces stress.
Using VR for 30-minute sessions at home over 4 weeks.
Different types of VR experiences will be explored.
Participation includes questionnaires and interviews about experiences.
Results could lead to new ways to support families impacted by dementia.

Who may be eligible?

For people with dementia to take part, they need to be 65 years old or older and living at home with a family carer. They must have a diagnosis of dementia and be able to speak and understand English.

There are a few health reasons why someone might not be able to join, such as having open wounds on their face (except for stitches from a healed cut), a history of fits or epilepsy, a pacemaker, serious head injury or stroke that led to their current condition, or neck problems that would make wearing a VR headset unsafe. People who are legally blind or have dementia specifically related to alcohol misuse (Korsakoff syndrome) cannot take part either.

For carers to take part, they need to be the main carer for the person with dementia and have access to the internet on a computer, tablet, or phone for the study. Carers must also be able to speak and understand English, and be able to provide permission for themselves to be part of the study. Carers who are legally blind cannot participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is the person with dementia aged 65 or older?
Do they live at home with a family carer?
Can they speak and understand English?
Do they have a diagnosis of dementia?
Do they NOT have a history of fits/epilepsy or a pacemaker?
As the carer, do I have internet access on a device?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you and your loved one decide to take part, here's what to expect. First, a researcher will visit your home to help you get set up with the VR equipment and show you how it works. You'll also be asked to fill out a few short questionnaires about your health, how you use technology, and your well-being. Then, for a period of 4 weeks, your loved one with dementia will use the VR device for about 30 minutes per session, as often as you like during the week. After each VR session, you'll be asked to answer a few quick questions. During these VR sessions, carers are encouraged to take a short personal break. After the 4 weeks, you'll have a chat with the researcher about your experiences and complete some more questionnaires. We'll also check in with you two weeks later to see how things are going. The total duration of active participation is about 4 weeks, plus the follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits. For the person with dementia, the VR therapy might help improve their mood, reduce feelings of agitation, and boost their quality of life. For carers, you might find that having the VR sessions provides you with short, regular breaks, which could help reduce stress and improve your own well-being. As with any new technology, there's a small chance of minor side effects like feeling a bit dizzy or uncomfortable while using the VR headset, but these are usually mild and temporary. Crucially, your involvement is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (7)

Acclaim Health
Verified postcode
Oakville, Canada· Recruiting
Chester Village
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
Circle of Care
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
Toronto Grace Hospital - Main Site
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Active not recruiting
Toronto Grace Hospital - Remote Care Monitoring
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
Toronto Grace Hospital - Specialized Care Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
McGill Dementia Education Centre
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is VR therapy?

VR therapy uses a special headset to show 360-degree videos, making you feel like you're in a different place, like a beach or a concert, which can be relaxing or engaging.

Will the VR make my loved one dizzy?

Some people might feel slightly dizzy or uncomfortable at first, but this is usually mild and goes away quickly. We'll show you how to use it safely.

Do I need to be there for every VR session?

As a carer, you'll need to help set up the VR and stay nearby, but you can use this time to take a personal break or do other short tasks.

How long does the study last?

The main part of the study involves using VR for 4 weeks, with some initial training and a follow-up check-in two weeks after that.

What if we don't like the VR?

Your involvement is entirely voluntary, and you can stop taking part at any time without needing a reason.

How to find out more

Lora Appel, PhD

lora.appel@yorku.ca 6475046537 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.