SynthesisAge and ageing2025
The use and effect of virtual reality as a non-pharmacological intervention for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Age and ageing, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Managing Apathy in Older Adults with Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.Brain sciences · 2026Review
- Virtual Dementia in the Digital Age: Neurocognitive Mechanisms, Behavioural Impact and Public Health Implications of Technology Overuse.Annals of neurosciences · 2026Review
- Assessment of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia based on virtual reality serious games: a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundBehavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are complex neuropsychiatric symptoms that contribute to caregiver strain, increased rates of institutionalisation and reduced quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) has gained interest as a non-pharmacological approach to potentially reduce BPSD severity.
objectiveThis review sought to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of VR in reducing BPSD severity, while exploring its acceptability, safety, and optimal dosage in dementia care.
methodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SCOPUS were searched for randomised and quasi-experimental trials assessing VR's effect on BPSD. JBI critical appraisal checklists were used to assess methodological quality. Findings were presented narratively, with meta-analysis performed on a subset of BPSD symptoms where data were available.
resultsOf the ten included studies, four found no significant change in overall BPSD. Mixed findings were observed for individual BPSD symptoms. Meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (mean diff -0.38, P= .026) and no reduction in agitation (mean diff 1.87, P = .2). Two studies reported reduced aggression and mixed findings were found for anxiety. Reduced apathy was observed in one study following each VR session and during the session in another. VR was generally well-accepted with few side effects reported.
conclusionVR appears to be an acceptable non-pharmacological intervention for BPSD reduction. However, the limited available studies, methodological variations and quality issues suggest the need for future larger-scale research to confirm its efficacy and effectiveness.
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