Abstract

LOBO, Lídia; SOUSA, Andreia; REIS, Magda  and  AFONSO, Rosa Marina. Use of virtual reality in cognitive stimulation in dementia: a case study. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.1, pp.22-32.  Epub June 30, 2022. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/22psd230103.

Cognitive Stimulation (CS) is a type of non-pharmacological intervention (NF) with numerous benefits for the elderly in general, being widely used in dementia. New technologies can be an important complement to optimize CS with Virtual Reality (VR) being one of those that has been achieving a greater prominence, increasing the cognitive benefits associated with CS for people with dementia. This study aims to develop and analyze the impact of an individualized CS intervention using virtual reality. This is a case study of an 81-year-old patient, diagnosed with dementia, living in a Residential Structure for the Elderly. Individualized interventions that combined CS and VR were designed and performed. The intervention sessions consisted of viewing VR videos, followed by CS exercises of the different functions. The observation revealed significant improvements in the user's cognitive functions, especially regarding temporal orientation, immediate and long-term memory, as well as selective attention. Improvements in mood were also noted, highlighting the motivation and adherence of the participant in the sessions. This study suggests the potential of combining EC and VR strategies, that used as personalized forms in cases of dementia, promotes the cognitive functioning and overall well-being of these individuals, pointing out the importance of developing studies on the impact of this combination of interventions on dementia.

Keywords : Cognitive Stimulatin; Virtual Reality; Dementia.

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