Virtual reality intervention to improve apathy in residential aged care: protocol for a multisite non-randomised controlled trial

Introduction Apathy is a prevalent neuropsychiatric symptom for older adults residing in aged care. Left untreated, apathy has been associated with accelerated cognitive decline and increased risk of mortality. Reminiscence therapy commonly used care demonstrated to reduce apathy. Traditional methods reminiscence use physical objects more recently technology including tablets laptop computers have potential. Virtual reality (VR) successfully treat psychological disorders; however, there little evidence on using VR behavioural symptoms such as adults. Using deliver provides an immersive experience, readily available applications provide access large range content allowing easier delivery over traditional forms therapy. This study aims identify changes after intervention head-mounted displays (HMDs). Methods analysis Participants will be allocated one three groups; VR; active control computer or items passive control. A total 45 participants recruited from residential (15 each group). The groups compared at baseline follow-up. primary outcome apathy, secondary outcomes include cognition depression. Side effects HMDs also examined the group. Primary follow-up analysed linear mixed modelling. Ethics dissemination approval was obtained University South Australia Human Research Committee. results this disseminated through manuscript publications national/international conferences. Trial registration number ACTRN12619001510134.