Virtual reality technology in the detection of mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In recent years, virtual reality technology has developed the potential to help in the early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, integrative evidence of its detection performance for mild cognitive impairment is lacking, and meta-analysis or systematic reviews are required to further determine the effectiveness of virtual reality technology in screening for MCI. Literature searches were performed for MCI screening tests in the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus. The primary outcome was the performance of VR tests for MCI detection. A protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42022302139). A total of 14 studies in 13 reports were eventually included. The combined data with the bivariate random-effects model gave a summary point of 0.89 sensitivity (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.82–0.94) and 0.91 specificity (95 % CI: 0.82–0.96). The SROC curve was plotted, the DOR was 79.25 (95 % CI: 22.59–277.99), and the AUC was 0.95 (95 % CI: 0.93–0.97). Virtual reality-based tests have shown considerable detection performance in detecting MCI, and therefore, virtual reality-based tests can serve as recommended screening methods. Future studies can consider longitudinal assessment and follow-up programs to identify progressive changes. •Early detection MCI is significant in reducing the rate of conversion to dementia and in reducing the burden on primary health services.•VR-based tests showed considerable detection performance in detecting MCI.•The VR-based tests had better detection performance for subjects older than 70 years.•Longitudinal assessment and follow-up programs for MCI detection based on VR should be explored in the future.