The Impact of Augmented Reality-Based Aromatherapy Education on Symptoms in Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia in Taiwan
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 进行中（未招募）
- 入组人数
- 300
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Change in Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q)
研究概览
简要总结
This study evaluates an augmented reality (AR)-based aromatherapy education program designed for older adults with early-stage dementia in Taiwan. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives AR-supported aromatherapy education sessions, or a comparison group receiving standard activities. The primary objective is to assess changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms and psychological well-being. Secondary outcomes include cognitive function and quality of life. The study aims to explore the feasibility and potential clinical benefits of integrating digital technology with non-pharmacological dementia care approaches.
详细描述
The study includes multiple phases designed to examine both immediate and longer-term effects of the intervention.
Phase 1 - Structured AR-Based Aromatherapy Education (Weeks 1-4):
Participants receive the AR-based aromatherapy education program consisting of 12 structured sessions delivered over four weeks. Sessions integrate AR-guided instruction with hands-on aromatherapy learning activities.
The Augmented Reality (AR)-Based Aromatherapy Education Module was systematically developed according to the 12 symptom domains of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). Each unit was designed to align a specific neuropsychiatric symptom with targeted plant-based aromatic stimulation, structured educational activities, and symptom-oriented behavioral goals. The intervention consisted of 12 structured units delivered over four to six consecutive weeks (two to three sessions per week). Each session integrated AR-based digital guidance with hands-on aromatherapy activities to provide multisensory stimulation, cognitive engagement, and structured emotional regulation support.
Phase 2 - Aromatherapy Withdrawal Observation (Weeks 5-8):
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 65 Years 至 —（Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Age ≥ 65 years
- •AD-8 score ≥ 2, indicating suspected cognitive impairment
- •Ability to communicate and complete study questionnaires
- •No significant visual, hearing, or olfactory impairments
- •Willingness to participate in AR-based intervention sessions
排除标准
- •Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
- •Complex chronic physical diseases
- •Moderate to severe dementia
- •Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) symptom score > 3
研究组 & 干预措施
AR-Based Aromatherapy Education Group
Participants receive a structured augmented reality (AR)-based aromatherapy education program designed to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and enhance psychological well-being in older adults with early-stage dementia. The intervention includes guided AR modules integrating sensory stimulation, aromatherapy education, and interactive cognitive engagement over the study period.
干预措施: Augmented Reality-Based Aromatherapy Education Program (Behavioral)
Standard Care Control Group
Participants receive routine care without AR-based aromatherapy intervention during the study period.
结局指标
主要结局
Change in Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q)
时间窗: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Week 16 (Follow-up)
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), an informant-based instrument evaluating behavioral and psychological symptoms over the past month. Each symptom is rated for severity on a 3-point scale (1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). Total scores range from 0 to 36, with higher scores indicating more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms (worse outcome). Changes in total scores from baseline will be analyzed.
次要结局
- Pain (Abbey Pain Scale)(Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Week 16 (Follow-up))
- Insomnia (Athens Insomnia Scale)(Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Week 16 (Follow-up))
- Well-Being (WHO-5)(Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Week 16 (Follow-up))
- Life Satisfaction (SWLS)(Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Week 16 (Follow-up))