Effectiveness of virtual reality as a neurorehabilitation tool in patients with Alzheimer’s: a systematic review

Abstract

Today, virtual reality (VR) is in the process of becoming an important tool in clinical treatment. VR, within its first applicability results in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), presents promising advances and room for future development; however, its efficiency in terms of treatment in these patients is still not entirely clear. Objective: To review the VR systems used as treatment in patients of both sexes older than 40 years with early-stage AD or MCI, analyzing their effectiveness based on current scientific evidence. Methods: Searches in the PubMed databases of MEDLINE, Web of Science and Medigraphic, with a deadline of January 06, 2022 and an unlimited start date. The article selection mechanism was carried out through the patterns using the PRISMA guidelines. Results: 25 studies were eligible for inclusion. None noted any major drawbacks with the tolerability of VR in participants with AD and MCI in treatment efforts. All articles present important advances in VR treatment applications for this type of patient, despite not presenting a definitive cure for AD.