Effect of 3D Virtual Reality on Functional and cognitive abilities among patients with Alzheimer’s disease: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by decline in cognitive and functional abilities and reduced independence in activities of daily living. Despite advances in pharmacological treatment, effective non-pharmacological interventions remain important for improving patient outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging rehabilitation approach that provides interactive environments to support cognitive and functional performance. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of VR-based rehabilitation on cognitive function and functional mobility in individuals with mild to moderate AD. A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest was conducted for randomized controlled trials published between 2016 and 2024. Eligible studies were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and pooled effects were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in Review Manager. Six randomized controlled trials were included. Four studies involving 72 participants demonstrated a significant improvement in cognitive function with VR compared with conventional rehabilitation (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI 0.36–1.36; I² = 0%; P = 0.0007). Two studies involving 96 participants found no significant effect on functional mobility (SMD = −0.19, 95% CI −0.63–0.25; I² = 74%; P = 0.65). VR-based rehabilitation may improve cognitive function in individuals with mild to moderate AD, while evidence for functional mobility remains limited and heterogeneous.