Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41890203›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in aging neuroscience2026

Virtual reality-based cognitive training in mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review.

Giorgia Francesca Scaramuzzi, Valerio Manippa, Klaudia Helena Pawlik, Myrto Gkanatsa, Ester Cornacchia, Daphne Gasparre, Aurora Bonvino, Giulio Lancioni, Paolo Taurisano

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Giorgia Francesca Scaramuzzi *Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Valerio Manippa *Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Klaudia Helena PawlikInterdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Myrto GkanatsaInterdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Ester CornacchiaDepartment of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Daphne GasparreDepartment of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Aurora BonvinoDepartment of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Giulio LancioniLega F. D'Oro Research Center, Osimo, Osimo, Italy.
Paolo TaurisanoDepartment of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is recognized as a transitional phase preceding dementia and represents a crucial window for intervention. Conventional cognitive training (CCT) often lacks engagement and sustained participation, limiting its effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline. Virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering immersive and interactive environments that may enhance cognitive training outcomes in older adults. Methods: This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of VRCT with CCT in individuals with MCI. A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science and PubMed, yielding 2,256 initial records. After removal of duplicates and application of eligibility criteria, seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Key outcomes assessed included the DSM cognitive domain, general cognition, functional autonomies, and psychoaffective status. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Results: VRCT demonstrated enhanced effectiveness compared to conventional interventions in improving cognitive domains, and in particular general cognition, complex attention, and perceptual-motor function compared with CCT. Discussion: VRCT shows promise as an engaging and potentially effective intervention for individuals with MCI. Despite encouraging results, further high-quality, multicenter trials with standardized outcome measures and long-term follow-up are needed to establish its clinical utility and generalizability.

Indexed as

cognitive stimulationdementiadigital rehabilitationinnovative treatmentsneurodegenerative disorders

Identifiers

PMID41890203
PMCPMC13012909

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.