As global life expectancy rises and the population of older adults increases, a higher prevalence of age-related diseases, such as dementia, is being observed. However, dementia-like symptoms are not exclusively caused by neurodegenerative conditions; pseudodementia, associated with late-life depression, can mimic the symptoms of dementia but may be potentially reversible with appropriate interventions. Despite this, individuals with pseudodementia still have a higher risk of progressing to neurodegenerative dementia. To counteract this possibility and aid in symptom reversal, non-pharmacological interventions may be a potential treatment. The present case study explored the feasibility of promoting storytelling through virtual reminiscence therapy in an older adult with pseudodementia, while also assessing the level of technological acceptance. The intervention included two sessions: one using a digital memory album and another utilizing 360º videos of personally significant locations. The results support the viability of using virtual reality as a therapeutic instrument to stimulate reminiscence and promote storytelling with a manageable learning curve and without inducing symptoms of cybersickness.

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Exploring the Use of Virtual Reminiscence in Pseudodementia: A Single-Case Pilot Study

  • Juliana Silva,
  • Pedro Reisinho,
  • Rui Raposo,
  • Oscar Ribeiro,
  • Nelson Zagalo

摘要

As global life expectancy rises and the population of older adults increases, a higher prevalence of age-related diseases, such as dementia, is being observed. However, dementia-like symptoms are not exclusively caused by neurodegenerative conditions; pseudodementia, associated with late-life depression, can mimic the symptoms of dementia but may be potentially reversible with appropriate interventions. Despite this, individuals with pseudodementia still have a higher risk of progressing to neurodegenerative dementia. To counteract this possibility and aid in symptom reversal, non-pharmacological interventions may be a potential treatment. The present case study explored the feasibility of promoting storytelling through virtual reminiscence therapy in an older adult with pseudodementia, while also assessing the level of technological acceptance. The intervention included two sessions: one using a digital memory album and another utilizing 360º videos of personally significant locations. The results support the viability of using virtual reality as a therapeutic instrument to stimulate reminiscence and promote storytelling with a manageable learning curve and without inducing symptoms of cybersickness.