Evidence and publications on cognitive stimulation
Distinguishing approaches and goals
Explore the pathwayProject in development · Pathways defined by the professionalDistinguishing approaches and goals
Cognitive stimulation, training in specific skills and cognitive rehabilitation targeting functional goals are different approaches. Individual, group, immersive or non-immersive delivery also changes the context of the intervention. A recommendation for one of these approaches does not automatically demonstrate the efficacy of the others.
NICE guidelines recommend group cognitive stimulation for mild or moderate dementia and consider cognitive rehabilitation or occupational therapy to support functional ability. They distinguish these interventions from cognitive training, which they do not recommend as a treatment for mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. These guidelines do not constitute a specific recommendation for LUCIDA VR. [12]
Virtual reality and MCI
The systematic review by Tortora and colleagues included three studies involving a total of 130 older participants with MCI, comparing VR-based cognitive rehabilitation with conventional interventions. The findings are promising, but heterogeneity, small samples and methodological concerns limit the strength of the conclusions and prevent claims of generalised superiority. [6]
Immersive research protocols
Perra and colleagues describe a randomised feasibility study protocol for an immersive programme in MCI. The paper defines an assessment methodology; it does not present conclusive efficacy results. [7]
Wong and colleagues present a randomised pilot protocol for immersive cognitive stimulation in people with MCI. Here too, goals and expected outcomes must be distinguished from results actually demonstrated. [8]
What this means for LUCIDA VR
These studies inform the research questions and assessment design. They do not validate the LUCIDA VR product or demonstrate prevention of dementia, slowing of neurodegeneration or lasting functional benefit.
The specific assessment must identify the intervention, population and comparator, include measures independent of the exercises and consider tolerability, everyday functioning and maintenance of any benefits. Improvement in the virtual task requires verification of transfer to real life.
Reference
publications.
Open the studies and consult the full references.
Tortora and colleagues
Tortora C, Di Crosta A, La Malva P, et al. Virtual reality and cognitive rehabilitation for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev. 2024;93:102146.
Source type: systematic review. Concerns other VR interventions, not LUCIDA VR.
Read the original sourcePerra and colleagues
Perra A, Primavera D, Leonetti V, et al. Virtual reality cognitive remediation tool for individuals with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a feasibility randomized clinical trial. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1477279.
Source type: study protocol. Does not present efficacy results and does not concern LUCIDA VR.
Read the original sourceWong and colleagues
Wong WWS, Wong GHY, Choy JCP, Li DSP, Lo YL. Utilization of Immersive Virtual Reality in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (IVR-CST) for elderly with mild cognitive impairment… PLoS One. 2025;20(8):e0330686.
Source type: randomised pilot protocol. Does not present efficacy results and does not concern LUCIDA VR.
Read the original sourceNational Institute on Aging
National Institute on Aging. Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging. Section on Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Use in the document: general background on MCI and its distinction from dementia.
Read the original sourceNICE
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers. Guideline NG97. Recommendations 1.4.2, 1.4.4 and 1.4.5.
Use in the document: distinction between group cognitive stimulation, cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive training. Does not constitute approval or recommendation of LUCIDA VR.
Read the original sourceView the reference studies
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