Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Open-Air Bath Program in Reducing Loneliness and Improving Brain Function for Dementia Prevention in Older Adults: Protocol for a Prospective Randomized Crossover Study.

Background: Older adults often face loneliness due to chronic illness or loss of close ones, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased loneliness heightens the risk of diseases, especially dementia, necessitating urgent action.

Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of a virtual reality (VR)-based open-air bath program on depression and loneliness in older individuals with subjective cognitive decline/mild cognitive impairment attending the Dementia Medical Center in Kyoto, Japan.