Virtual Reality Interventions to Stimulate Capabilities for Learning and Retrieval of High-Fidelity Memory
University of California, San Francisco
Summary
Therapeutic treatment is yet available for declining memory, which is an impairment affecting the quality of life for many older adults and patients with cognitive impairment. Cognitive training with an immersive video game promises to drive hippocampal-cortical plasticity and associated gains that can restore memory capability or provide therapeutic treatment for memory deficits.
Description
A hallmark of higher cognition is the capability for flexible association of diverse bits of information stored in memory, such that experiences can be remembered in detailed and distinct terms (i.e., high-fidelity long-term memory). Interventions capable of sustaining improved learning and flexible association of new information into long-term memory (LTM) have shown promising pilot results, and further development is expected to find treatments to attenuate the decline of high-fidelity LTM in normal aging or provide therapeutic treatment for patients with cognitive impairment without dementi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 60–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * fluent speakers of English * completed 12 or more years of education * normal or corrected-to-normal vision * dexterity to comfortably operate the scanner-compatible response box * freedom from physical and neurological conditions contra-indicated for fMRI * must confirm physical stamina and comfort for semi-weekly brisk 30-minute walks on level ground Exclusion Criteria: * use of psychotropic medications * history of concussions or dizziness, vestibular or balance problems * significant discomfort with virtual reality experiences
Interventions
- BehavioralLabyrinthVR software
Head-mounted display virtual reality game designed to induce environmental enrichment in an adaptive, highly engaging regimen of wayfinding in novel urban and village neighborhoods.
- BehavioralPlacebo Games software
Commercially-available, narrative computer games marketed as cognitively enriching. Can be tablet-based or wireless VR headset-based.
- BehavioralLabyrinth Tablet software
Tablet computer playing Labyrinth spatial wayfinding game in 2.5D
- BehavioralLabyrinth VR wireless
Wireless head-mounted display virtual reality game designed to induce environmental enrichment in an adaptive, engaging regimen of wayfinding in novel urban and village neighborhoods.
Location
- UCSF Mission BaySan Francisco, California