NCT07468305 · NOT YET RECRUITING
SENS'REM - SENSoriality and Multi-Sensory Emotional Reminiscences: a Pilot Study
This pilot study tests whether a virtual reality program using sights, sounds, smells and tastes can help nursing home residents with memory problems relive meaningful life memories. Researchers mainly want to know if it is practical to run. They will also look at apathy, mood and engagement. It is an early feasibility study, not proof that it works.
You may qualify if
- Men or women aged 70 years or older
- Living in a nursing home (EHPAD) or long-term care unit (USLD) for at least 3 months
- Sufficient French language ability to understand the study procedures
- Presence of apathy confirmed by a positive score on the Apathy Inventory
- Moderate cognitive impairment documented by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 10 and 17
- Affiliated with a social security or health insurance system
- Medical approval for virtual reality exposure (no contraindication)
- Ability to provide informed consent, or consent provided by a legal representative or trusted person when applicable
You're excluded if
- "Diagnosed psychiatric disorder according to DSM-5 criteria (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
- Severe or acute behavioral disturbances incompatible with study participation
- Neurological comorbidities incompatible with virtual reality use (e.g., Lewy body disease, history of epilepsy)
- Severe sensory impairment (vision, hearing, or olfaction) preventing participation
- Known susceptibility to cybersickness based on the CyberSickness in Virtual Reality Questionnaire (CSQ-VR)
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker incompatible with virtual reality headset use
- Withdrawal of informed consent at any time during the study"
The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2026-05-26