NeuronsVR: Virtual reality therapy for people living with dementia during an acute hospital admission – A feasibility study

Virtual reality (VR) therapy is a potential non-pharmacological approach to minimise distress for people with dementia who are hospitalised. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the NeuronsVR headset for people with dementia who are hospitalised. A convenience sample of 30 people with dementia were recruited. Participants received a VR session of up to 10 minutes using a NeuronsVR headset. All consenting participants (n=30) completed the intervention. The mean Engagement of a Person with Dementia Scale (EPWDS) score was 40.0 (SD 7.3). The majority of participants reported that they 'liked' or 'strongly liked' NeuronsVR. The high completion rates and EPWDS scores demonstrate feasibility and acceptability of NeuronsVR for people living with dementia who are hospitalised. Further research is needed to determine the effect of VR therapy in minimising distress of people with dementia during their hospital admission.