Evaluation of Computerized Vi Rtual Reality on Functional Ability and Quality of Life in Elderly

The prevention strategies for dementia are needed because of the increasing
prevalence of dementia. People with mild cognitive impairment are high risk of developing
disability, even conversion into dementia in later life. Cognitive /memory training
programs have shown the potential positive effects for improving or maintaining the
cognitive progression. However, the impact of those cognitive progressions on functional
ability and quality of life is not well understood. The major aim of this total project is to
evaluate the short and long term effects of computerized virtual reality training programs
(Xavix Hot-Plus ) on functional ability (cognition, physical and psychosocial function) and
quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
It will be the 4-year study. The experimental research design with three groups, one
pretest and four posttests will be conducted to examine the short-term and long-term
effects on cognition (primary outcome), physical (secondary outcome), and psychosocial
function (secondary outcome) and quality of life (secondary outcome). Independent adults
will be recruited from day care center base on sample criteria. The total subjects will be
160 to 190 older adults and the day care centers include all eligible participants will be
randomly assigned into computerized virtual reality training programs group (Hot-Plus
group) or social interaction group. The subjects for control group will be recruited in the
community and be referred by neurological, psychiatric, or gerontological physicians.
Participants who are in Hot-Plus group will divide several small group which will be 4
persons with mild cognitive impairment, they will receive computerized virtual reality
training program by Hot-Plus as a group activity one hour, once a week for 12 weeks. The
participants in the social interaction group will come as a group for social interaction one
hour weekly for 12 weeks. The control group will maintain their regular activities.
The results will be expected to understand the effectiveness of the computerized
virtual reality training, improving or maintaining cognition, physical and psychosocial
function, enhancing quality of life and reducing the risk of developing disability even
conversion into dementia in later life.