Feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based virtual reality program to promote mental health among older adults at high risk for dementia living in assisted living facilities

The National Plan to Address Alzheimer?s Disease has introduced a new objective aimed at accelerating efforts to promote healthy aging and mitigate risk factors associated with Alzheimer?s disease and related dementias. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at a higher risk of developing dementia, with estimates suggesting that 80%-90% progress within approximately six years. Moreover, people with MCI often experience various mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, significantly impacting their overall well-being. Thus, it is critically important to address mental health issues early in the course of MCI. To meet this need, we propose a virtual reality mindfulness-based intervention (VRMBI) designed to alleviate anxiety and depression and foster positive affect. Despite the recognized benefits of VRMBIs, their impact on mental well-being, especially in older adults with MCI, remains understudied, and previous VR studies have not utilized objective evaluation of mental health outcomes, such as electroencephalography (EEG). Therefore, this four-week pilot trial aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the VRMBI program and EEG recording sessions for older adults with MCI. Additionally, we will determine whether the expected outcomes (e.g., increased positive affect and decreased negative affect) can be measured as planned.

Scholars @ ECU