At A Glance
VR supports cognitive stimulation, emotional engagement, and identity expression in people living with dementia. Across scoping reviews, feasibility studies, observational research, and clinical implementations, VR has been consistently associated with increased emotional responsiveness, attentional activation, and meaningful engagement during exposure (Appel et al., 2020, feasibility study; Appel et al., 2021, scoping review).
Evidence suggests that VR is particularly effective for individuals who are withdrawn, apathetic, or difficult to engage through traditional recreational or cognitive activities. Immersive environments can stimulate attention, trigger autobiographical memory, and support brief but meaningful periods of participation and interaction across a range of cognitive impairment levels and care settings.
Key Research Findings
VR is strongly associated with increased emotional engagement in dementia populations
A scoping review found emotional and engagement-related outcomes were the most consistently reported effects, with 17 of 19 studies reporting improvements in mood, emotional responsiveness, or engagement during VR exposure (Appel et al., 2021, scoping review).
Feasibility and pilot studies also report observable increases in engagement and positive affect during VR sessions in dementia care settings (Appel et al., 2020, feasibility study).
VR increases attention and short-term cognitive responsiveness during exposure
Older adults, including those with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, demonstrate increased alertness, attention, and behavioural responsiveness during VR sessions (Appel et al., 2020, feasibility study).
These effects are typically described as short-term activation of attention and cognitive engagement during immersive exposure.
VR supports reminiscence and identity-based engagement
Immersive environments frequently elicit autobiographical memory recall, storytelling, and expressions of identity in people living with dementia, supporting personhood-based engagement (Appel et al., 2021, scoping review).
Older adults demonstrate high willingness to re-engage with VR
In feasibility research, 76% of participants reported willingness to use VR again after initial exposure, indicating strong acceptability and engagement potential (Appel et al., 2020, feasibility study).
VR can support engagement across varying levels of cognitive impairment
Observational and feasibility studies indicate that even individuals with moderate to severe cognitive impairment can show measurable engagement responses during VR exposure, including attention and affective response (Appel et al., 2020, feasibility study; Appel et al., 2021, acute care study).
VR is feasible for delivering structured engagement interventions in care settings
Across clinical implementations and feasibility studies, VR has been successfully delivered in hospital and long-term care environments with no serious adverse events reported (Appel et al., 2020, feasibility study; Appel et al., 2021, acute care study).
Why This Matters
This suggests caregiVR can function as a meaningful engagement intervention for residents who are withdrawn, apathetic, or difficult to engage using traditional activities. It supports its use in structured recreation programming and as a flexible tool for varying levels of cognitive decline.
Many individuals living with dementia experience withdrawal, apathy, or reduced engagement in daily activities, which can limit opportunities for stimulation, social interaction, and identity expression. These challenges are often difficult to address with traditional recreational or cognitive activities.
VR provides a flexible, person-centred engagement tool that can be adapted to different cognitive levels and sensory abilities. By offering immersive environments that capture attention and evoke memory or emotional response, VR may support meaningful engagement even in individuals who are otherwise difficult to reach through conventional approaches.
This suggests caregiVR can function as a meaningful engagement intervention for residents who are withdrawn, apathetic, or difficult to engage using traditional activities. It supports its use in structured recreation programming and as a flexible tool for varying levels of cognitive decline.
Our Publications
Feasibility Study (2020)
Acute Care Study (2021)
Scoping Review (2021)