Augmented Reality-Based Aromatherapy Education for Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia in Taiwan

NCT07431164 | Active Not Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: NTNU-AR-Aroma-2025NSTC 112-2410-H-003-061-MY2
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 300
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Dementia; Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Keywords

Augmented Reality; digital health; dementia; aromatherapy; health education

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q)

  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.

  Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Week 16 (Follow-up)

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• 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)

Study Arms (2)

AR-Based Aromatherapy Education Group

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Behavioral: Augmented Reality-Based Aromatherapy Education Program

Standard Care Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants receive routine care without AR-based aromatherapy intervention during the study period.

Interventions

Augmented Reality-Based Aromatherapy Education Program BEHAVIORAL

The augmented reality-based aromatherapy education module was developed using the Neuropsychiatric Symptom Checklist-Q (NPI-Q) framework to match specific neuropsychiatric symptoms with corresponding aromatherapy interventions. This intervention program was designed and refined by a multidisciplinary team of experts. The course comprises 12 units, completed over four consecutive weeks through 2-3 units per week. To ensure a systematic approach, each session integrates three units, allowing for comprehensive coverage of symptom clusters within a structured timeframe. Each symptom corresponds to a specific aromatherapy activity and its associated learning objectives.

AR-Based Aromatherapy Education Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Complex chronic physical diseases
• Moderate to severe dementia
• Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) symptom score \> 3

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Taiwan Normal University: lead

Study Sites (1)

National Taiwan Normal University

Taipei, Taipei City, 10610, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Dementia; Cognitive Dysfunction; Health Education

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders; Cognition Disorders; Adherence Interventions; Medication Adherence; Patient Compliance; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Treatment Adherence and Compliance; Health Behavior; Behavior

Study Officials

• Jong-Long Guo, PhD

  National Taiwan Normal University

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the AR-based aromatherapy education intervention group or a comparison group receiving standard activities. Both groups are followed concurrently over the same study period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 18, 2026
• First Posted: February 24, 2026
• Study Start: May 23, 2025
• Primary Completion: October 30, 2025
• Study Completion: March 1, 2026
• Last Updated: March 9, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share

Locations

TW (1)