Virtual Savannah: An Effective Therapeutic and Relaxing Treatment for People with Subjective Cognitive Decline

Abstract

In an attempt to make the therapeutic aspect less aversive, more attractive and engaging, virtual reality, an increasingly popular application in healthcare, offers an interesting alternative to pharmacological treatments. Positive emotions may improve the cognitive abilities of people suffering from cognitive impairment. Virtual reality can provide immersive and efficient relaxation tool. This paper presents an experiment where 19 people with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) were immersed in a virtual environment representing a savannah. The hypothesis is that the environment may help them reducing their frustration by relaxing. Participants’ brain activity was recorded using the Emotiv Epoc headset and the virtual savannah experience lasted 10 min. Results suggest that frustration decreased when participants were surrounded by the virtual savannah and that the positive effects continued afterwards.