Virtual Reality Reminiscence Therapy in Dementia Care: Scoping Review of Research.

Background: Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder affecting cognitive and social functioning, posing challenges for patients and caregivers. Traditional medications often have adverse effects, emphasizing the need for nonpharmacological options such as reminiscence therapy (RT). Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in dementia care, providing immersive experiences that stimulate memory, enhance emotional well-being, and reduce the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Objective: This scoping review assesses the feasibility and implementation challenges of delivering RT via VR in dementia care. Specifically, it examines the types of VR systems used, their therapeutic benefits, and the barriers to their adoption. Methods: We screened 5 electronic libraries: Google Scholar, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, MEDLINE, and PubMed. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 were included if they examined the use of VR for RT in people with dementia. Data were charted based on PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines and analyzed thematically for feasibility, VR system type, therapeutic effects, and implementation considerations. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that VR is feasible and well-accepted among people with dementia, fostering high engagement with minimal adverse effects. Fully immersive VR systems, which use head-mounted displays, are the most frequently used, while semi-immersive alternatives with large screens provide a more cost-effective option. RT via VR has been shown to improve reminiscence, enhance mood, and encourage social interaction. However, its impact on cognitive function remains inconclusive. Significant barriers to implementation include high costs, limited availability of VR infrastructure in care, and the need for specialized caregiver training. Conclusions: RT via VR presents a promising advancement in dementia care. Future research should focus on developing cost-effective, scalable VR solutions, designing personalized VR experiences tailored to individual needs, and creating structured training programs for caregivers. Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine the long-term therapeutic effects of VR compared to traditional RT.