Can VR really be useful for dementia?

Clinical evidence supports the use of virtual reality (VR) as a promising tool in dementia care, particularly for those in the early stages of the condition. A growing body of dementia research suggests that virtual reality-based interventions may improve cognitive engagement, reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, and enhance quality of life for people with dementia.

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis by Appel et al. found that the use of VR was associated with high user satisfaction and a reduction in symptoms such as apathy, anxiety, and disorientation in older adults with dementia. These VR technologies create safe, engaging, and interactive virtual environments that support people living with dementia by stimulating memory, attention, and emotional regulation—especially when designed with purpose.

VR-based systems allow the delivery of specifically designed content for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Low-friction VR experience tailored for users who may be living in the community, in transitional care, or as nursing home residents with dementia has shown large benefits, especially in the short-term mood and interest.

Light physical movement with mental stimulation and features modules inspired by reminiscence therapy, an evidence-backed intervention shown to reduce psychological symptoms of dementia. The content is calming, achievable, and non-confrontational—making it suitable for individuals with mild dementia, moderate dementia, and even patients with mild cognitive impairment who are at risk of decline.

Beyond the user experience, the Add-Life Mind & Body platform enables clinicians to monitor the effect of virtual reality in a measurable way. It captures motion and activity data in real time and generates mobility reports, reducing the need for burdensome assessments. This feature is particularly valuable for patients with dementia, where early changes in motor ability may precede cognitive decline.

Allied health professionals—including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and neuropsychologists—can use these insights to personalise therapy, track outcomes, and adjust care plans. In many ways, Add-Life turns everyday VR activity into a subtle VR intervention for monitoring and motivation.

As we seek better interventions for dementia, the effectiveness of virtual reality is becoming harder to ignore. The use of virtual tools to engage individuals in meaningful activity is no longer experimental—it is increasingly validated. For example, studies have shown the effects of VR on mood, engagement, and mobility in individuals with dementia, offering a pathway for preventative care and reduced risk of institutionalisation.

For those living with dementia—or for families concerned about early signs—Add-Life offers more than distraction. It supports routine, encourages movement, and provides therapeutic engagement grounded in research.

If you or a loved one is navigating mild cognitive impairment and dementia, speak with your allied health provider about virtual reality for people in early-stage dementia. Add-Life is available for home use and clinical environments, and can be deployed to support ageing in place or in aged care settings. The VR technologies used are safe, non-invasive, and backed by emerging evidence in dementia and mild cognitive impairment management.

It’s time to make virtual reality a meaningful part of how we support people with dementia—not just for today, but to mitigate future risk. 📖 Reference 1 :

A 2 year multidomain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people (FINGER): https://hur.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ngandu_et_al_finger_study_lancet_2015.pdf 📖 Reference2 :

Effects of virtual reality intervention on cognition and motor function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.586999/full

📖 Reference3 : Rehabilitative effects of virtual reality technology for mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review with meta-analysis. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01811/full