Use of Nootropics in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment to Promote Neuroplasticity using Virtual Reality Neuro-Rehabilitation

Abstract

Mild Cognitive Impairment increases an individual's susceptibility to negative health outcomes, such as increased risk of falling, other physical disabilities, increased frequency of hospitalizations, and death. The frequency of mild cognitive impairment among older adults around the world ranges from 3 to 42%.

The brain has a number of natural abilities to react as a highly dynamic system capable of modifying the properties of its neuronal networks. This brain plasticity may result in a high degree of spontaneous recovery, and rehabilitation training can modify and increase neural plasticity processes.

Nootropics have been shown to be effective as a therapy for the majority of dementia patients, and they are widely utilized as a stroke treatment. Although nootropics may not increase cognitive performance much when taken alone, this may be the case when paired with cholinesterase inhibitors.

In recent years, the medical sector has enthusiastically embraced the introduction of VR-based therapy for pain management, phobia treatment, cognitive and physical rehabilitation. VR provides cost-effective, accessible, flexible, and comprehensive therapies for patients who have trouble attending outpatient visits owing to distance, lack of transportation, or disability.