A Scoping Review Exploring the Feasibility of Virtual Reality Technology Use with Individuals Living with Dementia

Abstract

The existing evidence base in relation to the feasibility of using Virtual Reality technology systems with individuals living with a dementia appeared limited and was therefore explored. The research was collected and reviewed in terms of the different types of Virtual Reality systems (equipment and levels of immersion) and feasibility of the technology within different stages of demen-tia as well as the methodological limitations. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the healthcare databases advanced search (Medline, PsychINFO, and EMBASE) and snowballing methods. The participants had a dementia diagnosis and the feasibility of Virtual Reality in terms of its acceptability and practicality was discussed. Only five articles met the eligibility criteria. Four included semi-immersive Virtual Reality with participants in the early stages of dementia. One included fully-immersive Virtual Reality where dementia stage ranged from 'mild' to 'severe'. Based on available demographic information, study participants resided in residential care homes, alone in the community or with their spouse. The existing literature sug-gests that both semi and fully-immersive Virtual Reality technology use can be feasible amongst individuals living within the ear-lier stages of dementia outside of a hospital environment, with it being viewed as a welcomed distraction that increased alert-ness and pleasure. However, Virtual Reality was also found to increase fear and anxiety in one study, raising important ethical implications around the safety of the user. The current evidence-base leaves a predominant gap in Virtual Reality technology system use for people within the moderate to later stages of dementia and those living in a hospital environment.