MedTrace Logo

SENS'REM - SENSoriality and Multi-Sensory Emotional Reminiscences: a Pilot Study

NCT07468305 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 10

Last updated 2026-05-26

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

SENS'REM is a pilot feasibility study evaluating a new non-drug therapeutic program based on multisensory reminiscence using immersive virtual reality in older adults living in nursing homes or long-term care units who present cognitive impairment and apathy.

Apathy is a frequent symptom in people with neurocognitive disorders. It is characterized by a loss of motivation, reduced interest in activities, and decreased emotional engagement. Apathy strongly affects quality of life, social interactions, and participation in care, and current drug treatments have limited effectiveness. For this reason, non-pharmacological approaches are increasingly recommended.

The SENS'REM program combines virtual reality with personalized multisensory stimulation (visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory) to help participants relive meaningful autobiographical memories in an immersive and emotionally engaging environment. Each participant receives one session per week for six weeks. The content of the sessions is adapted to the individual life history of each participant.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this program in institutional settings, including recruitment, organization, technical aspects, and participant adherence. Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in apathy, quality of life, cognitive functioning, social engagement, participant satisfaction, and the tolerance of the intervention.

The main hypothesis of the study is that a personalized multisensory virtual reality reminiscence program is feasible in nursing home and long-term care settings and may contribute to a reduction in apathy and an improvement in engagement and well-being among older adults with cognitive impairment.

This pilot study will provide essential preliminary data to optimize the intervention and prepare a future larger comparative clinical trial.

Conditions

  • Apathy
  • Apathy in Dementia

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Multisensory Virtual Reality Reminiscence Intervention

Participants receive a personalized multisensory reminiscence therapy program delivered through immersive virtual reality. Each participant attends one individual session per week for six consecutive weeks. Sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes and are conducted in a quiet room within the nursing home or long-term care unit. The virtual environments are selected according to each participant's life history and personal memories, such as familiar places or meaningful contexts. The intervention combines visual immersion with auditory stimulation, olfactory cues, and, when appropriate, gustatory stimuli. During each session, participants are encouraged to express memories, emotions, and perceptions associated with the virtual experience. A trained investigator remains present throughout the session to ensure safety, provide support, and collect observational data. Sessions are adapted to the participant's tolerance and may be interrupted at any time. The intervention is designed to stim

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Anne-Julie Vaillant-Ciszewicz, PhD · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-09-30
Primary Completion
2027-02-28
Completion
2027-08-31

Countries

  • France

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07468305 on ClinicalTrials.gov