We are creating a transformative VR experience that immerses users through a metaphorical journey inside a forest - symbolizing the intricate pathways and vitality of the brain. Through exploration of this forest, users witness how everyday lifestyle choices shape their brain’s future. Through interactive storytelling, users experience firsthand how healthy habits help the forest thrive, while neglect accelerates decay, representing the risks of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. Our study will investigate whether this immersive VR experience can promote healthy lifestyle habits, focusing on whether users make lasting behavioral changes after completing the experience.
Alzheimer’s currently affects millions, with no known cure—but up to 60% of cases are preventable through lifestyle interventions (Dhana et al., 2020). Despite this, most people lack a clear understanding of how daily decisions influence brain health. Traditional health education often struggles to make this connection emotionally compelling. Virtual reality, however, has shown unique potential to bridge this gap by immersing users in experiences that feel immediate and personally relevant, thereby enhancing emotional engagement and motivation for change. By using VR, we can create a visceral, unforgettable journey that allows users to experience the consequences of their lifestyle choices on brain health.
This research could redefine the way we approach preventive healthcare, offering a new tool for promoting brain health through immersive VR. The findings could be valuable to public health organizations, medical practitioners, and educators, providing a novel approach to Alzheimer's prevention. For individuals, this immersive approach has the potential to shift behaviors, reduce Alzheimer’s risks, and empower users to take control of their cognitive future—one healthy habit at a time.