Virtual reality games can slow the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The gaming platform may even be the next superweapon for the elderly in the fight against dementia.
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In 2021, more than 600 people were interviewed to study the impact of virtual reality games during a pandemic. The results of the study were eventually published by Health And Technology.
“Providing people with the means to engage in virtual reality activities to keep them busy and in physical shape can be a promising strategy to minimize the decline in mental and physical well-being that has been reported in many cases since the pandemic,” the study said.
A systematic review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined 15 peer-reviewed studies on the impact of virtual reality.
Of the 12 articles examining physiological outcomes, eight showed positive effects on fitness, muscle strength, balance, and limb function. Only four articles examined the impact on psychological outcomes, and three of them showed a positive effect. Exercise in virtual reality can relieve fatigue, stress and depression, as well as calm and improve the quality of life.
However, the review noted that 15 studies used “far from ideal” sample sizes, and therefore suggested that more thorough studies be conducted to confirm the findings.
“We hope that by gaining experience training in the brain gym, they will bring it to real life by increasing activities such as gardening, dancing, walking, hanging out with friends or even cycling at home while listening to podcasts,” she said. psychiatrist and director of the Brain Health Center, Dr. David A. Merrill. “We see that games help people realize the potential benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”
Although research suggests that VR games will be a great tool for older people who want to delay dementia, research is still ongoing.