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Bögge L, Colás-Blanco I, Ferragu J, Gaston-Bellegarde A, La Corte V, Piolino P. Autonomic and cognitive control in memory: Investigating the psychophysiological link using heart rate variability biofeedback. Psychophysiology 2024:e14588. [PMID: 38769698 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) at resting state has been associated to cognitive functions dependent on cognitive control, such as memory. However, little is known about the phasic interaction between cognitive and autonomic control. In a pre-registered within-between-subject designed experiment, the potential of vmHRV biofeedback to simultaneously stimulate vmHRV during memory processing and cognitive control over long-term memory was tested, along with investigating psychophysiological association. 71 young healthy adults completed (twice) a false memory task in virtual reality. Immediately before memory encoding and retrieval, participants practiced either vmHRV biofeedback or a control breathing exercise. Cognitive control over long-term memory was assessed as the confidence toward false memories and the capability to discriminate them from true memories. Resting-state vmHRV before each test and phasic vmHRV during memory encoding and retrieval were measured as the root mean square differences (RMSSD) in the heart period. vmHRV biofeedback had neither an immediate effect on measures of cognitive control over long-term memory nor on phasic RMSSD. Moreover, neither resting-state nor phasic vmHRV correlated to the cognitive scores. Consequently, the utility of HRV biofeedback as a psychophysiological stimulation tool and a link between vmHRV and cognitive control over long-term memory could not be verified. Exploratory analyses revealed that baseline shift in parasympathetic activity confounded the psychophysiological association. Future directions are provided that could shed light on the relationship between cognition and vmHRV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bögge
- Institute of Psychology, Memory, Brain & Cognition Laboratory, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Itsaso Colás-Blanco
- Institute of Psychology, Memory, Brain & Cognition Laboratory, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Ferragu
- Institute of Psychology, Memory, Brain & Cognition Laboratory, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Valentina La Corte
- Institute of Psychology, Memory, Brain & Cognition Laboratory, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- Institute of Psychology, Memory, Brain & Cognition Laboratory, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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Cammisuli DM, Marchesi G, Bellocchio V, Aiello EN, Poletti B, Verde F, Silani V, Ticozzi N, Zago S, Difonzo T, Isella V, Pomati S, Granese V, Vignati B, Prete LA, Castelnuovo G. Behavioral Disorders of Spatial Cognition in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease (The BDSC-MCI Project): Ecological Validity of the Corsi Learning Suvra-Span Test. J Pers Med 2024; 14:539. [PMID: 38793121 PMCID: PMC11122154 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spatial navigation deficits are reported as early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) alongside episodic memory ones. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether neuropsychological deficits of visuospatial long-term memory can predict behavioral alterations during the navigation of older adults in novel urban environments along the normal aging-dementia continuum of the Alzheimer's type. METHODS A total of 24 community-dwelling patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to AD, 27 individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 21 healthy controls were assessed in terms of their sequential egocentric and allocentric navigation abilities by using a modified version of the Detour Navigation Test, and neuropsychologically tested by the Corsi learning suvra-span (CLSS) test. Generalized linear models were adopted to verify whether the scores obtained by the three groups in the CLSS test predicted wrong turns and moments of hesitation during the navigation task, with the results presented as topographical disorientation scores. RESULTS Higher scores in the CLSS test predicted fewer wrong turns (b = -0.05; z = -2.91; p = 0.004; net of between-groups differences) and moments of hesitation for patients with MCI due to AD (b = -0.14; z = -2.43; p = 0.015), and individuals with SCD (b = -0.17; z = -3.85; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Since the CLSS test has been reported to be a reliable measure of ecological navigational abilities in the progression towards AD dementia, we recommend its use in clinical practice and highlight implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gloria Marchesi
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (G.C.)
| | | | - Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy; (E.N.A.); (B.P.); (F.V.); (V.S.); (N.T.)
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy; (E.N.A.); (B.P.); (F.V.); (V.S.); (N.T.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy; (E.N.A.); (B.P.); (F.V.); (V.S.); (N.T.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy; (E.N.A.); (B.P.); (F.V.); (V.S.); (N.T.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy; (E.N.A.); (B.P.); (F.V.); (V.S.); (N.T.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Zago
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.Z.); (T.D.)
| | - Teresa Difonzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.Z.); (T.D.)
| | - Valeria Isella
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
- Milan Centre for Neurosciences, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Pomati
- Neurology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Valentina Granese
- Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy; (V.B.); (V.G.); (B.V.); (L.A.P.)
| | - Benedetta Vignati
- Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy; (V.B.); (V.G.); (B.V.); (L.A.P.)
| | | | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (G.C.)
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, 20149 Milan, Italy
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Latgé-Tovar S, Bertrand E, Piolino P, Mograbi DC. The use of virtual reality as a perspective-taking manipulation to improve self-awareness in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1376413. [PMID: 38725536 PMCID: PMC11079167 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1376413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lack of awareness of symptoms or having a condition referred to as anosognosia is a common feature of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Previous literature on AD reported difficulties in evaluating self-abilities, often showing underestimation of limitations. There is increasing evidence that the perspective through which information is presented may moderate the performance appraisal and that anosognosia in AD might be a consequence of a deficit in assuming a third-person perspective. In this context, some studies showed that subjects may better recognize self-and other-difficulties when exposed to a third-person perspective. Considering the variety of approaches aiming to investigate the lack of awareness, there is still a scarcity of methods that provide great ecological validity and consider more than one facet of awareness, thus failing to offer more accurate evaluations of daily experiences. The present paper primarily addresses the theme of the multidimensional character of awareness of abilities in AD and the effect of perspective-taking on its trajectories. The focus turns to virtual reality as a promising tool for a greater evaluation of perspective-taking and self-awareness. Particularly, these systems offer the possibility to involve users in cognitive and sensorimotor tasks that simulate daily life conditions within immersive and realistic environments, and a great sense of embodiment. We propose that virtual reality might allow a great level of complexity, veracity, and safety that is needed for individuals with AD to behave according to their actual abilities and enable to explore the liaison between the subject's viewpoint, performance, and self-evaluation. In addition, we suggest promising clinical implications of virtual reality-based methods for individualized assessments, investigating specific impacts on subjects' life and possible improvements in their awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Latgé-Tovar
- Institute of Psychiatry - Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elodie Bertrand
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition (LMC), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition (LMC), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Daniel C. Mograbi
- Institute of Psychiatry - Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Psychiatry – Psychology and Neuroscience King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Stramba-Badiale C, Tuena C, Goulene KM, Cipresso P, Morelli S, Rossi M, D’Avenio G, Stramba-Badiale M, Riva G. Enhancing spatial navigation skills in mild cognitive impairment patients: a usability study of a new version of ANTaging software. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 17:1310375. [PMID: 38259329 PMCID: PMC10801043 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1310375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) often presents challenges related to spatial navigation and retention of spatial information. Navigating space involves intricate integration of bodily and environmental cues. Spatial memory is dependent on two distinct frame of reference systems for organizing this information: egocentric and allocentric frames of reference. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing spatial navigation skills and spatial memory by facilitating the manipulation of bodily, environmental, and cognitive cues. Methods This usability study was based on a fully within-subjects design in which seven MCI patients underwent two kinds of VR conditions: participants were required to complete the ANTaging demo both in Oculus Rift S (immersive condition) and in Samsung UHD 4K monitor (semi-immersive condition). Participants were seated and they had to use a foot-motion pad to navigate and explore the environment to collect and relocate some objects in the virtual environment. Post-interaction, users provided feedback on their experiences. Additionally, usability, potential side effects, data analysis feasibility, and user preferences with immersive and semi-immersive technologies were assessed through questionnaires. Results Results indicated higher usability ratings for the semi-immersive setup, with fewer negative effects reported compared to the immersive counterpart. According to qualitative analyses of the interviews, patients do seem to like both VR apparatuses even though the semi-immersive condition was perceived as the most suitable choice because of the size of the screen. Patients generally found it difficult to remember object locations. Participants expressed the need for more practice with the foot-motion pad, despite an overall positive experience. They generally would like to use this system to improve their memory. Discussion Identifying these key aspects was crucial for refining the system before the upcoming clinical trial. This study sheds light on the potential of semi-immersive VR in aiding individuals with MCI, paving the way for enhanced spatial navigation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Stramba-Badiale
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Karine Marie Goulene
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Cipresso
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino, Italy
| | - Sandra Morelli
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Rossi
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D’Avenio
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Tuena C, Serino S, Goulene KM, Pedroli E, Stramba-Badiale M, Riva G. Bodily and Visual-Cognitive Navigation Aids to Enhance Spatial Recall in Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:899-910. [PMID: 38701150 PMCID: PMC11191438 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) syndrome often report navigation difficulties, accompanied by impairments in egocentric and allocentric spatial memory. However, studies have shown that both bodily (e.g., motor commands, proprioception, vestibular information) and visual-cognitive (e.g., maps, directional arrows, attentional markers) cues can support spatial memory in MCI. Objective We aimed to assess navigation cues for innovative spatial training in aging. Methods Fifteen MCI patients were recruited for this study. Their egocentric and allocentric memory recall performances were tested through a navigation task with five different virtual reality (VR) assistive encoding navigation procedures (bodily, vision only, interactive allocentric map, reduced executive load, free navigation without cues). Bodily condition consisted of an immersive VR setup to engage self-motion cues, vision only condition consisted of passive navigation without interaction, in the interactive allocentric map condition patients could use a bird-view map, in the reduced executive load condition directional cues and attentional markers were employed, and during free navigation no aid was implemented. Results Bodily condition improved spatial memory compared to vision only and free navigation without cues. In addition, the interactive allocentric map was superior to the free navigation without cues. Surprisingly, the reduced executive load was comparable to vison only condition. Moreover, a detrimental impact of free navigation was observed on allocentric memory across testing trials. Conclusions These findings challenge the notion of an amodal representation of space in aging, suggesting that spatial maps can be influenced by the modality in which the environment was originally encoded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Silvia Serino
- Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Karine Marie Goulene
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedroli
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Noroozian M, Kormi-Nouri R, Nyberg L, Persson J. Hippocampal and motor regions contribute to memory benefits after enacted encoding: cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:3080-3097. [PMID: 35802485 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological underpinnings of action-related episodic memory and how enactment contributes to efficient memory encoding are not well understood. We examine whether individual differences in level (n = 338) and 5-year change (n = 248) in the ability to benefit from motor involvement during memory encoding are related to gray matter (GM) volume, white matter (WM) integrity, and dopamine-regulating genes in a population-based cohort (age range = 25-80 years). A latent profile analysis identified 2 groups with similar performance on verbal encoding but with marked differences in the ability to benefit from motor involvement during memory encoding. Impaired ability to benefit from enactment was paired with smaller HC, parahippocampal, and putamen volume along with lower WM microstructure in the fornix. Individuals with reduced ability to benefit from encoding enactment over 5 years were characterized by reduced HC and motor cortex GM volume along with reduced WM microstructure in several WM tracts. Moreover, the proportion of catechol-O-methyltransferase-Val-carriers differed significantly between classes identified from the latent-profile analysis. These results provide converging evidence that individuals with low or declining ability to benefit from motor involvement during memory encoding are characterized by low and reduced GM volume in regions critical for memory and motor functions along with altered WM microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Noroozian
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, South Kargar Str., Tehran 13185/1741, Iran
| | - Reza Kormi-Nouri
- School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, Örebro 702 81, Sweden
| | - Lars Nyberg
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiology, Umeå University, Universitetstorget 4, Umeå 901 87, Sweden
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Universitetstorget 4, Umeå 901 87, Sweden
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, Universitetstorget 4, Umeå 901 87, Sweden
| | - Jonas Persson
- School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Center for Lifespan Developmental Research (LEADER), Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, Örebro 702 81, Sweden
- Aging Research Center (ARC), Stockholm University and Karolinska Institute, Tomtebodavägen 18A, Solna 171 65, Sweden
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Varela-Aldás J, Buele J, López I, Palacios-Navarro G. Influence of Hand Tracking in Immersive Virtual Reality for Memory Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4609. [PMID: 36901618 PMCID: PMC10002257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Few works analyze the parameters inherent to immersive virtual reality (IVR) in applications for memory evaluation. Specifically, hand tracking adds to the immersion of the system, placing the user in the first person with full awareness of the position of their hands. Thus, this work addresses the influence of hand tracking in memory assessment with IVR systems. For this, an application based on activities of daily living was developed, where the user must remember the location of the elements. The data collected by the application are the accuracy of the answers and the response time; the participants are 20 healthy subjects who pass the MoCA test with an age range between 18 to 60 years of age; the application was evaluated with classic controllers and with the hand tracking of the Oculus Quest 2. After the experimentation, the participants carried out presence (PQ), usability (UMUX), and satisfaction (USEQ) tests. The results indicate no difference with statistical significance between both experiments; controller experiments have 7.08% higher accuracy and 0.27 ys. faster response time. Contrary to expectations, presence was 1.3% lower for hand tracking, and usability (0.18%) and satisfaction (1.43%) had similar results. The findings indicate no evidence to determine better conditions in the evaluation of memory in this case of IVR with hand tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Varela-Aldás
- Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Humanas y de la Educación—CICHE, Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato 180103, Ecuador
- SISAu Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería, Industria y Producción FAINPRO, Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato 180103, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Buele
- SISAu Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería, Industria y Producción FAINPRO, Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato 180103, Ecuador
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Communications, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain
| | - Irene López
- SISAu Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería, Industria y Producción FAINPRO, Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato 180103, Ecuador
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Tuena C, Serino S, Stramba-Badiale C, Pedroli E, Goulene KM, Stramba-Badiale M, Riva G. Usability of an Embodied CAVE System for Spatial Navigation Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051949. [PMID: 36902733 PMCID: PMC10003531 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) usually report navigation and spatial memory impairments. Spatial navigation is an embodied process that requires the active involvement of both physical (e.g., motor commands and proprioception) and cognitive (e.g., decision-making and mental rotation) information. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a valuable tool that employs this information as real-world navigation does. Given the crucial impact of spatial navigation on daily life, research should focus on ways to enhance it. Though they are still in their development, contemporary IVR methods for spatial navigation training in MCI seem promising. In this usability study, eight patients with MCI syndrome tested an IVR spatial navigation training demo and interacted with the CAVE using active stereo glasses, a foot-motion pad, and a joypad. During the demo, users were asked to report their impressions on the IVR training using the thinking-aloud procedure. Moreover, questionnaires regarding usability, presence and cybersickness were administered at the end of the experience. Our results show that the first version of this system is usable by the patients even if most of them did not have experience with PC/IVR. The system provided a moderate sense of spatial presence and limited negative effects. Issues found during the thinking-aloud procedure concerned the visual aspects, which affected the interaction user-system. Participants reported that they needed more practice with the foot-motion pad even though the overall experience was positively evaluated. Identifying these critical features was essential to develop an improved version of the current system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Magnasco 2, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-61-911-2726
| | - Silvia Serino
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Stramba-Badiale
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Magnasco 2, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedroli
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Magnasco 2, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, Università eCampus, Via Isimbardi 10, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Karine Marie Goulene
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Mosè Bianchi 90, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Mosè Bianchi 90, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Magnasco 2, 20149 Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli, 1, 20121 Milan, Italy
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Tuena C, Riva G, Murru I, Campana L, Goulene KM, Pedroli E, Stramba-Badiale M. Contribution of cognitive and bodily navigation cues to egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in hallucinations due to Parkinson's disease: A case report. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:992498. [PMID: 36311858 PMCID: PMC9606325 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.992498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) manifestations can include visual hallucinations and illusions. Recent findings suggest that the coherent integration of bodily information within an egocentric representation could play a crucial role in these phenomena. Egocentric processing is a key aspect of spatial navigation and is supported by the striatum. Due to the deterioration of the striatal and motor systems, PD mainly impairs the egocentric rather than the allocentric spatial frame of reference. However, it is still unclear the interplay between spatial cognition and PD hallucinations and how different navigation mechanisms can influence such spatial frames of reference. We report the case of A.A., a patient that suffers from PD with frequent episodes of visual hallucinations and illusions. We used a virtual reality (VR) navigation task to assess egocentric and allocentric spatial memory under five navigation conditions (passive, immersive, map, path decision, and attentive cues) in A.A. and a PD control group without psychosis. In general, A.A. exhibited a statistically significant classical dissociation between the egocentric and allocentric performance with a greater deficit for the former. In particular, the dissociation was statistically significant in the “passive” and “attentive cues” conditions. Interestingly in the “immersive” condition, the dissociation was not significant and, in contrast to the other conditions, trends showed better performance for egocentric than allocentric memory. Within the theories of embodiment, we suggest that body-based information, as assessed with VR navigation tasks, could play an important role in PD hallucinations. In addition, the possible neural underpinnings and the usefulness of VR are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cosimo Tuena
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Immacolata Murru
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Campana
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Karine M. Goulene
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedroli
- Faculty of Psychology, Università eCampus, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Zoellner C, Klein N, Cheng S, Schubotz R, Axmacher N, Wolf OT. EXPRESS: Where was the Toaster? A systematic investigation of semantic construction in a new virtual episodic memory paradigm. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2022:17470218221116610. [PMID: 35848220 DOI: 10.1177/17470218221116610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Retrieved memories of past events are often inaccurate. The scenario construction model (SCM) postulates that during encoding, only the gist of an episode is stored in the episodic memory trace and during retrieval, information missing from that trace is constructed from semantic information. The current study aimed to find behavioural evidence for semantic construction in a realistic, yet controlled setting by introducing a new paradigm and adjusted memory tests that measure semantic construction. Using a desktop virtual reality (VR) participants navigated through a flat in which some household objects appeared in unexpected rooms, creating conflicts between the experienced episode and semantic expectations. The manipulation of congruence enabled us to identify influences from semantic information in cases of episodic memory failure. Besides we controlled for objects to be task-relevant or -irrelevant to the sequence of action. In addition to an established old/new recognition task we introduced spatial and temporal recall measures as possible superior memory measures quantifying semantic construction. The recognition task and the spatial recall revealed, that both congruence and task-relevance predicted correct episodic memory retrieval. In cases of episodic memory failure semantic construction was more likely than guessing and occurred more frequently for task-irrelevant objects. In the temporal recall object-pairs belonging to the same semantic room-category were temporally clustered together compared to object-pairs from different semantic categories (at the second retrieval). Taken together, our findings support the predictions of the SCM. The new VR-paradigm, including the new memory measures appears to be a promising tool for investigating semantic construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Zoellner
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany 9142
| | - Nicole Klein
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany 9142
| | - Sen Cheng
- Institute for Neural Computation, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany 9142
| | - Ricarda Schubotz
- Department of Psychology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany 9185.,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nikolai Axmacher
- Department of Neuropsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany 9142
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany 9142
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11
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Building Embodied Spaces for Spatial Memory Neurorehabilitation with Virtual Reality in Normal and Pathological Aging. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081067. [PMID: 34439686 PMCID: PMC8393878 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Along with deficits in spatial cognition, a decline in body-related information is observed in aging and is thought to contribute to impairments in navigation, memory, and space perception. According to the embodied cognition theories, bodily and environmental information play a crucial role in defining cognitive representations. Thanks to the possibility to involve body-related information, manipulate environmental stimuli, and add multisensory cues, virtual reality is one of the best candidates for spatial memory rehabilitation in aging for its embodied potential. However, current virtual neurorehabilitation solutions for aging and neurodegenerative diseases are in their infancy. Here, we discuss three concepts that could be used to improve embodied representations of the space with virtual reality. The virtual bodily representation is the combination of idiothetic information involved during virtual navigation thanks to input/output devices; the spatial affordances are environmental or symbolic elements used by the individual to act in the virtual environment; finally, the virtual enactment effect is the enhancement on spatial memory provided by actively (cognitively and/or bodily) interacting with the virtual space and its elements. Theoretical and empirical findings will be presented to propose innovative rehabilitative solutions in aging for spatial memory and navigation.
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12
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Caballeria E, Maier M, Balcells-Oliveró M, López-Pelayo H, Oliveras C, Rubio Ballester B, Verschure PFMJ, Gual A. Rehabilitation Gaming System for Alcohol-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Usability Study. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 57:595-601. [PMID: 34212185 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cognitive impairment in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent, and it negatively impacts treatment outcome. However, this condition is neither systematically assessed nor treated. Thus, we aimed to explore the usability of a virtual reality-based protocol ('Rehabilitation Gaming System', RGS) for patients with AUD. METHODS Twenty AUD patients (50% also cognitive impairment) underwent a single session of the RGS protocol (four cognitive training tasks, 10 minutes each). System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) were applied to assess the RGS usability and patients' satisfaction with it. Also, the Perceived Competence Scale was administered to assess the patients' feelings of competence when using the training protocol. Comparisons of the responses to these questionnaires were performed between AUD patients with cognitive impairment and those without cognitive impairment. RESULTS RGS usability was very positively rated (median SUS score = 80, Interquartile Range, IQR = 68.13-86-88). No significant differences were found in the median SUS scores for any of the sociodemographic or clinical variables, excepting for gender (women median score = 85; IQR = 80-94.38 vs. men median score = 71.25; IQR = 61.25-89.25; P-value = 0.035). The quality of the information provided by the RGS training scenarios and the usability were positively rated (PSSUQ), and patients experienced high feelings of competence. CONCLUSIONS The RGS has been found to be usable in the short term and patients with AUD stated to be satisfied with it. Future larger, randomized trials are needed to explore the effectiveness of this tool to help overcome the cognitive deficits in AUD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Caballeria
- Grup Recerca Addicions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Addictions Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, RTA (RETICS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Martina Maier
- Laboratory of Synthetic, Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems (SPECS), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Av. d'Eduard Maristany 10-14, Barcelona 08930, Spain
| | - Mercedes Balcells-Oliveró
- Grup Recerca Addicions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Addictions Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, RTA (RETICS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Hugo López-Pelayo
- Grup Recerca Addicions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Addictions Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, RTA (RETICS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Clara Oliveras
- Grup Recerca Addicions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Addictions Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, RTA (RETICS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Belén Rubio Ballester
- Laboratory of Synthetic, Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems (SPECS), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Av. d'Eduard Maristany 10-14, Barcelona 08930, Spain
| | - Paul F M J Verschure
- Laboratory of Synthetic, Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems (SPECS), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Av. d'Eduard Maristany 10-14, Barcelona 08930, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Antoni Gual
- Grup Recerca Addicions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Addictions Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, RTA (RETICS), Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain
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13
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Matamala-Gomez M, Bottiroli S, Realdon O, Riva G, Galvagni L, Platz T, Sandrini G, De Icco R, Tassorelli C. Telemedicine and Virtual Reality at Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview for Future Perspectives in Neurorehabilitation. Front Neurol 2021; 12:646902. [PMID: 33841313 PMCID: PMC8027250 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.646902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In catastrophic situations such as pandemics, patients' healthcare including admissions to hospitals and emergency services are challenged by the risk of infection and by limitations of healthcare resources. In such a setting, the use of telemedicine interventions has become extremely important. New technologies have proved helpful in pandemics as a solution to improve the quality of life in vulnerable patients such as persons with neurological diseases. Moreover, telemedicine interventions provide at-home solutions allowing clinicians to telemonitor and assess patients remotely, thus minimizing risk of infection. After a review of different studies using telemedicine in neurological patients, we propose a telemedicine process flow for healthcare of subjects with chronic neurological disease to respond to the new challenges for delivering quality healthcare during the transformation of public and private healthcare organizations around the world forced by COVID-19 pandemic contingency. This telemedicine process flow represents a replacement for in-person treatment and thereby the provision equitable access to the care of vulnerable people. It is conceptualized as comprehensive service including (1) teleassistance with patient counseling and medical treatment, (2) telemonitoring of patients' health conditions and any changes over time, as well as (3) telerehabilitation, i.e., interventions to assess and promote body functions, activities, and consecutively participation. The hereby proposed telemedicine process flow could be adopted on a large scale to improve the public health response during healthcare crises like the COVID-19 pandemic but could equally promote equitable health care independent of people's mobility or location with respect to the specialized health care center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Matamala-Gomez
- Department of Human Sciences for Education "Riccardo Massa," Center for Studies in Communication Sciences "Luigi Anolli" (CESCOM), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- Faculty of Law, Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, Italy.,Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Olivia Realdon
- Department of Human Sciences for Education "Riccardo Massa," Center for Studies in Communication Sciences "Luigi Anolli" (CESCOM), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Galvagni
- Center for Religious Studies, Bruno Kessler, Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Thomas Platz
- BDH-Klinik Greifswald, Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Evidence-Based Practice, "An-Institut,#x0201D; University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Neurorehabilitation Research Group, University Medical Centre Greifswald (UMG), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto De Icco
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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14
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Serious video games and virtual reality for prevention and neurorehabilitation of cognitive decline because of aging and neurodegeneration. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 33:239-248. [PMID: 32073439 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cognitive decline because of aging and neurodegeneration has become increasingly prevalent. This calls for the implementation of efficacious, motivating, standardized and widely available cognitive interventions for the elderly. In this context, serious video games and virtual reality may represent promising approaches. Here, we review recent research on their potential for cognitive prevention and neurorehabilitation of age-related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). RECENT FINDINGS The majority of currently available data in this evolving domain lacks the methodological quality to draw reliable conclusions on the potential of novel technology for cognitive training in older people. However, single well designed randomized controlled trials have reported promising effects of cognitive interventions involving serious video games and virtual reality. The cognitive benefits of exergames promoting physical exercise with and without combined cognitive training remain unclear. SUMMARY The immersion into stimulating and motivating environments along with training content based on neuroscientific and neuropsychological models may represent a significant advance as compared with conventional computerized cognitive training. Additional research with sound methodology including sufficient sample sizes, active control groups and meaningful outcome measures of everyday function is needed to elucidate the potential of serious video games and virtual reality in multifactorial neurorehabilitation of cognitive decline in aging and neurodegeneration.
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15
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Tuena C, Mancuso V, Stramba-Badiale C, Pedroli E, Stramba-Badiale M, Riva G, Repetto C. Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment with Real-World and Virtual Navigation Tasks: A Systematic Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 79:95-116. [PMID: 33216034 PMCID: PMC7902987 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spatial navigation is the ability to estimate one's position on the basis of environmental and self-motion cues. Spatial memory is the cognitive substrate underlying navigation and relies on two different reference frames: egocentric and allocentric. These spatial frames are prone to decline with aging and impairment is even more pronounced in Alzheimer's disease (AD) or in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of experimental studies investigating which MCI population and tasks are used to evaluate spatial memory and how allocentric and egocentric deficits are impaired in MCI after navigation. METHODS PRISMA and PICO guidelines were applied to carry out the systematic search. Down and Black checklist was used to assess methodological quality. RESULTS Our results showed that amnestic MCI and AD pathology are the most investigated typologies; both egocentric and allocentric memory are impaired in MCI individuals, and MCI due to AD biomarkers has specific encoding and retrieval impairments; secondly, spatial navigation is principally investigated with the hidden goal task (virtual and real-world version), and among studies involving virtual reality, the privileged setting consists of non-immersive technology; thirdly, despite subtle differences, real-world and virtual versions showed good overlap for the assessment of MCI spatial memory. CONCLUSION Considering that MCI is a subclinical entity with potential risk for conversion to dementia, investigating spatial memory deficits with navigation tasks might be crucial to make accurate diagnosis and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Mancuso
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Stramba-Badiale
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedroli
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Faculty of Psychology, Universitá eCampus, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Repetto
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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16
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Virtual Reality in the Assessment, Understanding and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113434. [PMID: 33114623 PMCID: PMC7693021 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Computer scientists usually describe virtual reality (VR) as a set of fancy hardware and software technologies. However, psychology and neuroscience are starting to consider VR as the most advanced form of human-computer interaction allowing individuals to act, communicate and become present in a computer-generated environment. In this view, the feeling of “being there” experienced during a VR experience can become a powerful tool for personal change: it offers a dynamic and social world where individuals can live and share a specific experience. For this reason, the use of VR in mental health shows promise: different researches support its clinical efficacy for conditions including anxiety disorders, stress-related disorders, obesity and eating disorders, pain management, addiction and schizophrenia. However, more research is needed to transform the promises of VR in a real clinical tool for mental health. This Special Issue aims to present the most recent advances in the mental health applications of VR, as well as their implications for future patient care.
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17
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Executive Functions Are Associated with Fall Risk but not Balance in Chronic Cerebrovascular Disease. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113405. [PMID: 33114243 PMCID: PMC7690867 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people's deficits in executive functions (EF) have been shown to lead to higher fall risk, postural sway, and reduced speed. Crucially, EF impairments are even more pronounced in individuals with chronic cerebrovascular disease (CVD), namely vascular cognitive impairment. METHODS In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we used a complete neuropsychological battery, including the Trail Making Test (TMT) and physical measures, such as the Morse fall and EQUI scales, to assess 66 individuals with chronic CVD. Linear regressions, Bayesian analyses, and model selection were performed to see the impact of EF, global cognition, and vascular parkinsonism/hemiplegia on physical measures (fall risk and balance). RESULTS The TMT part B and BA correlated (r = 0.44 and r = 0.45) with Morse fall scale. Only EF significantly explained fall risk, whereas global cognition and vascular parkinsonism/hemiplegia did not. These findings were confirmed by Bayesian evidence and parsimony model selection. Balance was not significantly correlated with any of the neuropsychological tests. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study investigating the relationship between cognitive and physical measures in a sample of older people with chronic CVD. The results are consistent with previous findings that link EF with fall risk in CVD.
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18
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Caballeria E, Oliveras C, Nuño L, Balcells-Oliveró M, Gual A, López-Pelayo H. A systematic review of treatments for alcohol-related cognitive impairment: lessons from the past and gaps for future interventions. Psychol Med 2020; 50:2113-2127. [PMID: 32840195 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720002925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is highly prevalent among patients with alcohol dependence. Although it negatively influences treatment outcome, this condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the existing evidence regarding both cognitive and pharmacological interventions for ARCI. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus and Science direct databases up to May 2019 and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Jadad Scale. Twenty-six studies were eligible for inclusion (14 referring to neuropsychological interventions and 12 to pharmacological treatments). Among neuropsychological interventions, computerised treatments, errorless learning and component method showed positive effects on working memory, memory measures and general cognitive function. On the other hand, thiamine, memantine and methylphenidate improved working memory, long-term memory and general cognitive function. Nevertheless, these studies have several limitations, such as small sample size, lack of replication of the results or low specificity of the interventions. Therefore, no gold-standard intervention can yet be recommended for clinical practice, and further research based on promising strategies (e.g. digital interventions, thiamine) is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Caballeria
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE). Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, RETICS (Red de Trastornos adictivos), University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Oliveras
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE). Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, RETICS (Red de Trastornos adictivos), University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Nuño
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE). Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, RETICS (Red de Trastornos adictivos), University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Balcells-Oliveró
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE). Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, RETICS (Red de Trastornos adictivos), University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Gual
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE). Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, RETICS (Red de Trastornos adictivos), University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hugo López-Pelayo
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE). Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, RETICS (Red de Trastornos adictivos), University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Dang M, Noreika D, Ryu S, Sima A, Ashton H, Ondris B, Coley F, Nestler J, Fabbro ED. Feasibility of Delivering an Avatar-Facilitated Life Review Intervention for Patients with Cancer. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:520-526. [PMID: 32896200 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Life review, a narrative-based intervention, helps individuals organize memories into a meaningful whole, providing a balanced view of the past, present, and future. Examining how the content of memories contributes to life's meaning improves some clinical outcomes for oncology patients. Combining life review with other modalities may enhance therapeutic efficacy. We hypothesized a life review intervention might be enhanced when combined with a kinetic, digital representation (avatar) chosen by the patient. Our goal was to determine the feasibility of an avatar-based intervention for facilitating life review in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: We conducted an observational, feasibility trial in a supportive care clinic. Motion capture technology was used to synchronize voice and movements of the patient onto an avatar in a virtual environment. Semistructured life review questions were adapted to the stages of child, teenager, adult, and elder. Outcome measures included adherence, recruitment, comfort of study procedure, patients' perceived benefits, and ability to complete questionnaires, including the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp). Results: Seventeen patients were approached, with 11/12 completing the intervention. The total visit time of a single intervention averaged 67 minutes. The post-intervention survey found all patients agreed or strongly agreed (Likert Scale 1-5) they would participate again, would recommend it to others, and found the experience beneficial. After one month, ESAS scores were either unchanged or improved in 80% of patients. Conclusion: An avatar-facilitated life review was feasible with a high rate of adherence, completion, and acceptability by patients. The findings support the need for a clinical trial to test the efficacy of this novel intervention. Clinical Trial Number NCT03996642.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malisa Dang
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Danielle Noreika
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Semi Ryu
- Department of Kinetic Imaging School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Adam Sima
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Holly Ashton
- Department of Kinetic Imaging School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Brianna Ondris
- Department of Kinetic Imaging School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Felicia Coley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - John Nestler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Egidio Del Fabbro
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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20
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Fanuel L, Plancher G, Piolino P. Using More Ecological Paradigms to Investigate Working Memory: Strengths, Limitations and Recommendations. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:148. [PMID: 32431601 PMCID: PMC7213077 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lison Fanuel
- Cognitive Mechanisms Research Laboratory, Université Lyon 2, Bron, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Gaën Plancher
- Cognitive Mechanisms Research Laboratory, Université Lyon 2, Bron, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition, MC2Lab 7536, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychologie, Université de Paris, Boulogne Billancourt, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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21
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Tuena C, Pedroli E, Trimarchi PD, Gallucci A, Chiappini M, Goulene K, Gaggioli A, Riva G, Lattanzio F, Giunco F, Stramba-Badiale M. Usability Issues of Clinical and Research Applications of Virtual Reality in Older People: A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:93. [PMID: 32322194 PMCID: PMC7156831 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a condition that may be characterized by a decline in physical, sensory, and mental capacities, while increased morbidity and multimorbidity may be associated with disability. A wide range of clinical conditions (e.g., frailty, mild cognitive impairment, metabolic syndrome) and age-related diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, cancer, sarcopenia, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases) affect older people. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel and promising tool for assessment and rehabilitation in older people. Usability is a crucial factor that must be considered when designing virtual systems for medicine. We conducted a systematic review with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines concerning the usability of VR clinical systems in aging and provided suggestions to structure usability piloting. Findings show that different populations of older people have been recruited to mainly assess usability of non-immersive VR, with particular attention paid to motor/physical rehabilitation. Mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative tools together) is the preferred methodology; technology acceptance models are the most applied theoretical frameworks, however senior adapted models are the best within this context. Despite minor interaction issues and bugs, virtual systems are rated as usable and feasible. We encourage usability and user experience pilot studies to ameliorate interaction and improve acceptance and use of VR clinical applications in older people with the aid of suggestions (VR-USOP) provided by our analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedroli
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, University of eCampus, Novedrate, Italy
| | | | | | - Mattia Chiappini
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Karine Goulene
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Lopatina OL, Morgun AV, Gorina YV, Salmin VV, Salmina AB. Current approaches to modeling the virtual reality in rodents for the assessment of brain plasticity and behavior. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 335:108616. [PMID: 32007483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have become valuable tools to study brains and behaviors resulting in development of new methods of diagnostics and treatment. Neurodegenerаtion is one of the best examples demonstrating efficacy of VR/АR technologies in modern neurology. Development of novel VR systems for rodents and combination of VR tools with up-to-date imaging techniques (i.e. MRI, imaging of neural networks etc.), brain electrophysiology (EEG, patch-clamp), precise analytics (microdialysis) allowed implementing of VR protocols into the animal neurobiology to study brain plasticity, sensorimotor integration, spatial navigation, memory, and decision-making. VR/AR for rodents is а young field of experimental neuroscience and has already provided more consistent testing conditions, less human-animal interaction, opportunities to use a wider variety of experimental parameters. Here we discuss present and future perspectives of using VR/AR to assess brain plasticity, neurogenesis and complex behavior in rodent and human study, and their advantages for translational neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L Lopatina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Laboratory for Social Brain Studies, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
| | - Andrey V Morgun
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir V Salmin
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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