DOI: 10.1002/alz.

047538

D E M E N T I A C A R E A N D P S YC H O S O C I A L FA C TO R S
POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Developing topics

Reminiscence therapy using virtual reality technology affects

cognitive function and morale of elderly with dementia

Maho Tominari Ryuji Uozumi Carl Becker Ayae Kinoshita

Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine,

Kyoto, Japan
Correspondence
Maho Tominari, Kyoto University Graduate
School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
Email: tominari.maho.43m@kyoto-u.jp
Abstract
Background: Japan already confronts a super-aged society in which the number of
dementia patients is increasing drastically. We need to improve care methods to meet
the needs of elderly dementia patients. Thus, we developed a novel reminiscence ther-
apy care program using a virtual reality (VR) tool for elderly people with mild dementia;
then we evaluated the effect in comparison to the conventional reminiscence therapy.
Method: We measured 52 people with mild cognitive impairment using the Mini-
Mental State Examination, Revised PGC Morale Scale, Multidimensional Observation
Scale for Elderly Subjects, Trail Making Tests A and B, and Word Fluency Test before
and after 8 weeks of reminiscence therapy. We randomly assigned them to reminisce
with either conventional still photos or VR panoramas. We compared their results
using t-tests.
Result: The scores of MMSE totals showed improvement for both groups, but it did
not achieve the primary objective. The considerable improvement was seen only in the
VR panoramas group. The PGC morale scale scores rose considerably higher in the VR
panoramas group than in the still photo group. No definite differences were observed
in other scales, neither between the two groups nor before and after the intervention.
Conclusion: Reminiscence therapy produced cognitive improvement regardless of
whether still photos or VR panoramas were used as stimuli. However, reminiscence
therapy with VR panoramas produced greater improvement in participants’ morale,
which may enhance patients’ well-being.

Alzheimer’s Dement. 2020;16(Suppl. 7):e047538. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/alz © 2020 the Alzheimer’s Association 1 of 1

https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.047538