Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42090783›Full record

SynthesisThe journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease2026

Virtual reality-based training in patients with alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Junjie Wang, Can Wu, Kedong Zhu, Xiaoshan Qi, Guiqin Chen

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

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.

2 · The registry

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.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Junjie WangSchool of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei Province, China.
Can WuSchool of Physical Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei Province, China.
Kedong ZhuDepartment of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China.
Xiaoshan QiDepartment of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China.
Guiqin ChenDepartment of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China. Electronic address: chenguiqin@whu.edu.cn.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND

objectivesPrior meta-analyses have suggested that training utilizing virtual reality (VR) serves as a secure and effective intervention for elderly individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Nevertheless, the effectiveness of such interventions appears to differ among various populations and cognitive domains. Furthermore, there remains a significant gap in understanding the effectiveness of VR-based training, specifically among individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

methodsThe researchers conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE up until July 1, 2025, focusing on randomized controlled trials that investigated VR-based training in patients diagnosed with AD. The outcomes measured were categorized and analyzed separately, encompassing overall cognitive performance, distinct cognitive domains, psychosocial function, physical capabilities, and the execution of daily living activities within the context of AD trials.

resultsOf the 265 publications identified, 11 (4.15%) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) eventually met all eligibility criteria. Those who received VR-based training showed significantly better global cognitive function [SMD (95%CI) = 0.44 (0.21-0.68)] and Short-term memory [SMD (95%CI) = 0.62 (0.25-0.99)] than the controls. However, no significant improvements were observed in areas such as executive function, spatial memory, activities of daily living, quality of life, balance and coordination, fear of falling, risk of falls, and depression levels.

conclusionVR-based interventions demonstrated beneficial effects on global cognitive function and short-term memory in AD populations. Due to the small sample size, the current research on evidence for efficacy in people with AD is weak and limited in many indicators.

Indexed as

Alzheimer DiseaseVirtual RealityActivities of Daily LivingCognitionCognitive DysfunctionCognitive TrainingHumansRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicAlzheimer's diseaseCognitive impairmentMeta-analysisSystematic reviewVirtual reality-based training

Identifiers

PMID42090783
PMCPMC13157051

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.