Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Immersion Process as a Nonpharmacological Intervention for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and Immediate Well-Being in People Living in Nursing Homes: Randomized Controlled Trial

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common among nursing home residents, notably those with Alzheimer disease and related diseases, impacting both themselves and health care professionals. Nonpharmacological interventions, including virtual reality (VR), have shown promise, but evidence from multicenter ecological studies remains limited.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, in terms of BPSD evolution, immediate well-being, and social interactions, of a VR-based immersion intervention (Lumeen) as a nonpharmacological approach to managing BPSD among nursing home residents. It also aimed to confirm the feasibility of implementing and evaluating group-based immersive VR interventions in nursing homes.