Nature Virtual Reality Tested for Depression in Alzheimer's Disease
Tests nature-based virtual reality at home in people with Alzheimer's and depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Nature-based Virtual Reality Intervention for Depression in Alzheimer's Disease
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for people aged 50 or older with mild to early-moderate Alzheimer's disease and mild to moderate depression. They try a nature-based virtual reality program at home.
- Age
- 50 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Mild to early-moderate Alzheimer's disease (including mixed dementia with Alzheimer's disease), with a Patient Health Questionnaire score of 5-14.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Unstable medical or psychiatric condition, including substance use
- Visual or hearing problems that would get in the way of taking part
- Patient Health Questionnaire score of 15-27
- Score of 1 or 2 in section E question 1 of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia
- Any other reason the study investigator finds taking part intolerable
Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Where in Canada
- Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH)Toronto, CanadaContact: Ashnie SukhuTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Trial code
- NCT06732128
- Record updated
- 13 December 2024
- Original description
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as depression affect up to 90% patients with dementia. Non-pharmacological treatment of BPSD, can be difficult to access, require caregiver support, travel, and often have long waiting lists. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative, portable, immersive, and accessible technology which can be used in-home. More information is required on the feasibility of using VR in-home with older adults with dementia.Read full original descriptionShow less
Nature-based Virtual Reality Intervention for Depression in Alzheimer's Disease: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as depression affect up to 90% patients with dementia. Non-pharmacological treatment of BPSD, can be difficult to access, require caregiver support, travel, and often have long waiting lists. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative, portable, immersive, and accessible technology which can be used in-home. More information is required on the feasibility of using VR in-home with older adults with dementia.
Our study will offer a 4-week program of 15-minutes sessions, twice per week nature-based VR program for BPSD delivered in-home by virtual reality (VR). Additionally, caregivers will have the option of taking part in the study and provide feedback regarding the VR intervention. If successful, this project has the potential to prolong aging in place for individuals with BPSD, as BPSD is a significant factor in institutionalization.
Inclusion: Clinical diagnosis of mild to early-moderate stage AD (including mixed dementia with AD) using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed. Criteria; Age of 50 years or older; Medical stability to participate in the trial; Patient Health Questionnaire score 5-14; 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.
Exclusion: Unstable medical or psychiatric condition, including substance use based on an investigator opinion; Patient Health Questionnaire score 15-27 and/or score of 1 or 2 in section E question 1 of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia; Visual or hearing impairments that would impair participation; Any other reason, which will make the study participation intolerable for the participant in the opinion of the study investigator.