The Cognitive Protective Effect of VR-based Cognitive Training in Type 2 Diabetes Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
The Cognitive Protective Effect of VR-based Cognitive Training in Type 2 Diabetes Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment：A Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Parallel-Group Pilot Study
The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
40 participants
Jun 20, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
We conducted a single-center, prospective, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to investigate the cognitive-protective efficacy of a novel, diabetes-specific virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training system integrated with diet management modules, relative to frequency- and duration-matched traditional paper-and-pencil cognitive training, in adults aged 45-80 years with T2DM and amnestic/mixed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 40 eligible participants will be randomly assigned 1:1 to either the intervention group (16 weeks of individualized VR training with dynamic difficulty adjustment, 2 sessions/week, 30-60 minutes/session) or the active control group (standardized paper-and-pencil cognitive tasks). All participants will maintain stable glucose-lowering regimens for ≥3 months and receive standardized weekly diabetes health education. The primary endpoint is the between-group difference in the change in MoCA total score from baseline to the 16-week follow-up. Secondary endpoints include changes in individual cognitive domains (memory, executive function, attention, processing speed), olfactory threshold/identification/recall, brain structural volumes and resting-state functional connectivity (assessed via 3.0T fMRI), glycemic control (HbA1c, fasting/postprandial glucose), lipid profile, body composition, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and diabetes self-management behaviors. The safety and participant adherence to the VR intervention will also be systematically monitored.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
Simplified for easier understanding
This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
Device: Customized VR Cognitive Training System Participants will receive individualized VR cognitive training using the research team-developed system, which consists of an HTC VIVE Pro Eye head-mounted display, handheld controllers, spatial positioning base stations, and a 360° rotating seat, with software developed on the Unity3D engine. Training plans are generated based on patients' metabolic parameters (height, weight, physical activity level, diabetes duration), and difficulty is dynamically adjusted according to each session's task completion rate and response time. The training includes four core modules: (1) VR supermarket/canteen (integrating diabetes diet management); (2) multi-sensory object finding/difference detection; (3) mindfulness healing garden (multi-sensory emotional regulation); (4) comprehensive cognitive training (digit span, trail making tests). Training will be administered twice weekly for 30-60 minutes per session for 16 weeks.
Device: Traditional Paper-and-Pencil Cognitive Tasks Participants will complete standardized paper-and-pencil cognitive training tasks targeting the same cognitive domains (memory, attention, executive function, processing speed) as the VR group. Training will be administered twice weekly for 30-60 minutes per session for 16 weeks, with full guidance from trained research staff throughout each session to ensure standardization.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07650318