VRADA training system as a non-pharmacological dual intervention to alleviate symptoms of the pathophysiology of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

In this study, a VR system called VRADA (VR Exercise App for Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients) was designed for physical and cognitive training forindividuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α, Alzheimer's disease (AD) hallmarks total tau, p181-tau, Αβ42 and Aβ40, the ratio of Aβ42/40 and p181-tau/Aβ42 were assessed on the blood serum of patients diagnosed with MCI to determine the effect of VRADA training. No significant differences were verified in the levels of inflammatory markers after the end of the study, however IL-1β levels of the VRADA group were significantly lower than those of the control group, at the follow-up of the study. Also, patients following VRADA intervention presented significantly higher Αβ42/Αβ40 ratio, and lower levels of Αβ42, of total tau, p-tau181, and of the crucial ratio p-tau181/Αβ42, in comparison with patients of the Control group. These results are promising for the further employment of the VRADA training during early dementia, and hopefully for halting the progression to AD.