Can Virtual Reality Reduce Depression and Agitation in Older Adults With Moderate to Severe Dementia?
Moderate Dementia, Severe Dementia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Moderate Dementia focused on measuring Depression, Agitation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Resident of Henley Place, Henley House, and Burton Manor
- Cognitive Performance Scale score between 3 to 5.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Without a medical diagnosis of dementia,
- Diagnosis of epilepsy,
- Those who are blind,
- Residents at end of life,
- Unable to communicate in English,
- Residents whose substitute decision-maker is from the Public Trustee and Guardian office of Ontario.
Sites / Locations
- Burton Manor
- Henley PlaceRecruiting
- Henley HouseRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Usual Care
Virtual Reality
All residents are seen by a RN, with care by Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and Personal Support Worker (PSW) staff 24/7. Residents supported by behavior support Ontario staff; include Behavior responsive team. Residents prior to admission have been assessed by the Geriatric program. Residents may receive psychotropic or cognitive enhancement medications. The residents are seen routinely seen once a week by the physician. Their Dementia is monitored weekly but the physician as well as daily by the registered staff. Quarterly or more frequently cognitive assessments are completed and referrals made to appropriate specialists. A day would include meals, engagement in scheduled and non-scheduled programs such as exercise, and activities, groups. Residents are supported in their activities of daily living, and social engagement. Specific interventions based on resident needs are supported in a Dementia capable environment.
Virtual Reality (VR) is a scenario that simulates experiences. The immersive environment is similar to the real world, creating an experience. A person using virtual reality equipment is able to "look around" the artificial world, move around in it, and interact with virtual features or items. VR requires the user to use a multi-projected in their own room using BroomX to generate realistic images, sounds that simulate a user's physical presence in a virtual or imaginary environment. A library has been developed, set to music, as well, we will use library items already part of the BroomX. We will attempt to use BroomX in their own room or in a suitable room within the LTC home. The participants still get the immersive experience, and the projection device has automatic controls that conform the visuals to a 360 experience no matter what size the room is, or what chairs, window blinds, are in the room.