Brain Health Virtual Reality Study

Overview

The Interventions for Brain Health Virtual Reality Study is a NIH-funded clinical research trial at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Health under the supervision of the study principal investigator Dr. Judy Pa. The overarching goal of this trial is to use a novel virtual reality (VR) based intervention that simultaneously engages physical and cognitive activity aimed at improving brain health and cognition in older adults. The investigators will compare 3 types of interventions: physical activity, VR cognitive activity, and combined VR physical and cognitive activity over 16 weeks to evaluate physical and brain health changes.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 50-85 years of age
2. Fluent in English
3. Can safely ride a stationary bike

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Dementia
2. History of a neurological disorder
3. Severe sensory deficits
4. Inability to perform intervention (e.g., inability to cycle safely)
5. Contraindications to MRI scan (e.g., pacemaker)
6. Fear of needles/ blood
7. Prior history of fainting due to sight of needles of blood