Interventional Study

VRN-AD

Study Investigator:Dr. Harmehr Sekhon
Site: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health  | Address: 1001 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4 Opens in new tab
Area of Focus: Alzheimer’s disease
Minimum Participant Age: 50+

Full study title: Nature-based Virtual Reality Intervention for Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease

 

What is the study about?

This study looks at how an at-home nature-based virtual reality (VR) program may help people living with Alzheimer’s Disease manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as depression. Caregivers and/or study partners will have the option of taking part in the study and providing feedback regarding the VR intervention. This project will explore how virtual reality can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to prolong aging in place for individuals with BPSD, as BPSD contributes to rates of institutionalization.

 

Eligibility – Who can participate?

Participants must:

  • Be 50 years of age
  • Clinical diagnosis of mild to early-moderate stage Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) (including mixed dementia with AD)
  • Medical stability to participate in the trial
  • Investigator judgement on whether the participant is comfortable with technology
  • Access to WiFi and a smart device for connecting on WebEx and downloading the Fitbit and Muse applications
  • Have someone available to be present during all sessions

 

Time requirement

  • 4 weeks
  • 2 intervention sessions per week
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Disclaimer

The listing of a study on the TDRA’s Research Studies Portal is for informational purposes only. The safety, efficacy or scientific validity of the studies listed here have not been evaluated by The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) or the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA). The TDRA is an academic coalition among the University of Toronto and Baycrest, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. The information collected will be kept and guarded by TDRA. Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Before you participate in a study, you should make sure you understand the risks and potential benefits and discuss all options with your health care provider(s).