RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Virtual Reality Training for Inhibitory Control in Neurocognitive Disorders

This research is looking into a new way to help older people who have difficulties with focus and self-control, which often happen with memory and thinking problems. These difficulties are known as 'inhibitory control' issues. The study is testing a new computer game, available either through a special VR headset (like a high-tech viewer) or on a regular tablet. Forty-eight patients with memory conditions from the Nice hospital will try out one of these versions twice a week for four weeks. The main goal is to find out how easy and pleasant the game is to use. They will be asked to fill in questionnaires before, during, and after trying the game to share their experiences.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

18 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

18 Nov 2027

Cognitive Disorder

What is this study about?

This study focuses on a common problem faced by older adults with conditions affecting their thinking and memory, often called 'neurocognitive disorders.' One specific challenge is 'inhibitory control,' which is like your brain's ability to stop itself from doing something impulsive or getting distracted when you need to focus. For example, if you're trying to read a book and the TV is on, inhibitory control helps you ignore the TV.

Researchers are exploring new technologies like virtual reality (VR) to help people improve this skill. VR uses special headsets to create an immersive, 3D experience, making you feel like you're in a different place. The aim is to create engaging games that can act like therapy, strengthening these brain functions.

Currently, there aren't many immersive VR tools specifically designed to train inhibitory control. This study wants to see if a newly developed VR game, or a tablet version of it, is acceptable and easy for older adults to use. Knowing if people find these tools helpful and enjoyable is a crucial first step in developing new treatments.

Key takeaways

This study uses VR or tablet games to help with focus and self-control.
It's for older adults (60+) with mild memory conditions.
The main goal is to check how easy and pleasant the new game is to use.
Participation involves 8 sessions over 4 weeks and filling out questionnaires.
It's a way to explore new, fun ways to support brain health.
You can stop participating at any time if you change your mind.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are aged 60 or older and have been diagnosed with a mild or slightly more serious memory or thinking problem by the Nice hospital Memory Centre. You would need to have specific difficulties with 'inhibitory control,' which will be checked by the study team.

It's important that you can speak French fluently and understand what it means to be part of a study, giving your permission to take part freely. This ensures you're comfortable and fully informed about everything involved.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you have major eyesight or movement problems that would stop you from using the devices, or if you get very motion sick easily. The study also cannot include certain vulnerable individuals as defined by French health law.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 60 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with a mild memory or thinking problem at the Nice hospital?
Do you speak French fluently?
Do you have issues with paying attention or stopping impulsive actions?
Do you have good eyesight and movement, without severe motion sickness?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be asked to use a special computer application. This would either be through a virtual reality (VR) headset or on a tablet. You would use this application twice a week for four weeks, meaning a total of eight sessions. Before you start, during the four weeks, and after you finish, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires are important for sharing your experiences and telling the researchers how easy and acceptable you found the application to be. There's no medication involved, and the total duration of your active participation will be these four weeks, plus the time for the questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to important research that could lead to new ways of helping people with thinking and memory challenges. You might also find the activities engaging and enjoyable. Potential risks are generally low, but some people can experience eye strain or mild discomfort from using VR headsets. If you were to experience significant motion sickness, you would not be eligible to participate. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nice
Verified postcode
Nice, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'inhibitory control'?

It's your brain's ability to stop yourself from doing something quickly without thinking, or to ignore distractions so you can focus on a task.

Will I get to choose between the VR headset and the tablet?

The study will assign you to either the VR headset or the tablet version. The goal is to compare how acceptable both options are.

How long will each session last?

The summary doesn't state the exact length of each session, but you would be using the application twice a week for four weeks.

Do I need to be good with technology?

While it involves new technology, a key aim of the study is to see how acceptable and easy-to-use the application is for older adults, so previous tech expertise isn't expected.

Will I have to travel to the Nice hospital for every session?

The details don't specify if the sessions are at the hospital or if devices are used at home. It's best to ask the study team about the logistics.

How to find out more

Lemaire Justine

lemaire.j@chu-nice.fr +330492034778 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.