Virtual reality cognitive training shows benefit on cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized randomized controlled trial evidence on virtual reality-based cognitive training in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024558108). Seven electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched through March 2026, supplemented by reference list screening.

Eligible studies were RCTs evaluating either immersive or non-immersive VR-based cognitive training interventions in older people with MCI, with outcomes reported on cognitive function, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), or depressive symptoms. Study quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scale, RoB 2, and GRADEpro tools.

Of 2,433 screened records, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria and were pooled. The meta-analysis reported a statistically significant effect of VR-based cognitive training on cognitive function as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Effects on IADL performance and depressive symptoms were part of the pre-specified outcome set, though specific pooled estimates for those outcomes are not captured in the available abstract text.

Safety outcomes, including adverse events, tolerability, and dropout details, were not reported in the abstract, and the magnitude of cognitive benefit, confidence intervals, heterogeneity estimates, and follow-up durations across trials are not described here. The review does not characterize specific populations, care settings, or intervention protocols in sufficient detail to guide individual program selection.

For clinical practice, these pooled RCT findings suggest VR-based cognitive training may be a reasonable adjunct to consider for older adults with MCI seeking cognitively engaging non-pharmacologic options, pending review of the full report for effect magnitude, durability, and safety signals before broader implementation.