Virtual reality could be a useful tool for the cognitive rehabilitation of people with cognitive impairment, such as dementia, as it can simulate real-life scenarios in a safe setting. Despite its potential benefits, it is still unclear how different virtual reality factors influence cognitive performance. Answering that will help us design more effective virtual reality tools for the cognitive rehabilitation of individuals with cognitive impairment.

What's involved in the study

You will do a virtual task twice, once while using a virtual reality headset and once while using a monitor. You will then be asked some questions to assess your memory of the virtual environment you experienced.

We will also use a test called Montreal Cognitive Assessment (a tool for assessing impairment of cognitive functions in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia), to assess your general cognitive function.

Additionally, you will be asked to complete a health and consent form regarding collecting COVID-19 test-and-trace data before being able to participate.

Eligibility

You are eligible to participate in this study if you:

• are aged between 18 and 39 or 65 and above
• do not have any neurological or psychiatric disorders (for example, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, stroke)
• do not have a personal/familial history of epilepsy or seizures
• are not taking medication that affects cognitive performance (for example, antidepressants, antiepileptics)
• do not have any condition that may cause impairment or discomfort when using a virtual reality headset (for example, hearing or vision impairment, pregnancy, had recently a surgery)

What you'll get for taking part

You will be compensated with £10 per hour for your time in the study. The study usually lasts one and a half hours, but sometimes it may take a bit longer.

Confidentiality

All records will be treated as confidential, including personal contact details.

Data collection and retention will comply fully with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and will only be accessible to the lead researcher and their supervisor. This study has received ethical approval.¹