Immersive virtual reality for the aging brain: A meta-analysis on cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms

Abstract

The increasing number of older adults worldwide is a key cause of the increase in health problems, especially moderate cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. New virtual reality (VR) technologies have the potential to enhance cognitive performance and lessen neuropsychiatric symptoms, although evidence is scarce. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of VR therapy on cognitive performance and neuropsychiatric symptoms among older adults with MCI or dementia. Literature was rigorously searched from Scopus, PubMed and ScienceDirect until 13th July 2026. The study population included persons aged 60 years and older with confirmed cognitive deterioration. The quality was assessed using RoB 2 and statistical synthesis was accomplished with OpenMEE. Eleven randomised controlled trials with 608 participants were included. The results suggest that VR interventions result in substantial improvements in cognitive functioning. Subgroup studies suggested that these cognitive improvements were more prominent for people who had MCI, programs of 13–16 sessions, and cognitive-based VR frameworks. In addition, VR interventions consistently reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms with special focus on depression, anxiety and apathy, although not reaching statistical significance. In summary, virtual reality is a useful tool in cognitive rehabilitation as an effort to support SDG 3, particularly in healthcare for the elderly.