Virtual reality as a complementary therapy in the rehabilitation of balance and gait disorders in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: Systematic review.

This systematic review analyzes the benefits of virtual reality (VR) interventions in managing balance and gait disorders among older adults with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Based on 12 controlled clinical studies involving 476 participants aged 60 and above, VR-based rehabilitation demonstrated significant improvements in balance, gait, postural control, executive function, and cognitive and motivational performance compared to conventional physiotherapy or no treatment. Various VR technologies, including low-cost devices like Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect, were used across studies, with intervention durations typically ranging from 6 to 24 weeks. While findings suggest VR therapies may delay functional deterioration in this population, the limited number of studies and participants indicates a need for further research to confirm these benefits.