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Virtual tourism multisensory stimulation improves cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and sleep in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

In a randomized controlled trial, 66 older adults with mild cognitive impairment received either 8 weeks of virtual tourism multisensory stimulation or waitlist control. The intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and sleep, with benefits sustained up to 16 weeks. Attrition was 6.06% and activity attendance was 81.25%.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Influence of 'virtual tourism' multisensory stimulation therapy on older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A mixed-methods study.

observational

Liu Q, Li X, Zhang L, Bai X, Zhao M, Zhang S, Duan W, Liu H, Xu W, Chen L, Yin H · Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks intervention, 16 weeks follow-up
Intervention: Virtual tourism multisensory stimulation (MSS) delivered for 8 weeks
Outcome: Cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs), quality of life, and sleep (measured via scales at baseline, 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Result:

PubMed: 42632180DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.104281

Mechanism Graph

Sensory deprivation is a risk factor for dementia
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Virtual tourism provides immersive multisensory stimulation
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Stimulation engages cognitive and sensory pathways
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Improves cognitive function, mood, sleep, and quality of life

Limitations

  • ⚠Abstract does not report effect sizes or statistical details
  • ⚠Waitlist control design may introduce expectancy effects
  • ⚠No blinding of participants or assessors mentioned
  • ⚠Long-term durability beyond 16 weeks not assessed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is virtual tourism multisensory stimulation?▼

It is a dynamic presentation of natural tourist landscapes via internet technology, allowing immersive travel experiences without leaving home, used as a multisensory stimulation therapy.

How long did the benefits last?▼

Improvements in cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and sleep continued for up to 16 weeks after the 8-week intervention.

What was the sample size and attrition?▼

The study included 66 older adults with MCI, with an attrition rate of 6.06% and activity attendance rate of 81.25%.

What did participants report in interviews?▼

Participants reported improvements in cognition, mood, sleep, physical fitness, and social support, and suggested content enrichment and technological updates.

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References

  1. 1.Liu Q, Li X, Zhang L, Bai X, Zhao M, Zhang S, Duan W, Liu H, Xu W, Chen L, Yin H. "Influence of 'virtual tourism' multisensory stimulation therapy on older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A mixed-methods study.." Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.), 2026. PMID: 42632180 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.104281
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.