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Llana T, Garces-Arilla S, Juan MC, Mendez-Lopez M, Mendez M. An immersive virtual reality-based object-location memory task reveals spatial long-term memory alterations in Long-COVID. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115127. [PMID: 38936427 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115127] [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] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Object-location memory (OLM) is a type of declarative memory for spatial information and consists of the individual's ability to establish accurate associations between objects and their spatial locations. Long-COVID describes the long-term effects of the COVID-19 disease. Long-COVID patients show medial temporal lobe dysfunction and neuropsychological alterations affecting memory. This study aimed to assess OLM in a group of Long-COVID patients, n=66, and a Control group of healthy individuals with similar age and sex composition, n=21, using an immersive virtual reality (iVR)-based OLM task. We also explored associations between the performance in the iVR-based OLM task and general cognitive function (MoCA), and both verbal (VSTM) and visuospatial (SSTM) span. The Long-COVID group showed fewer correct responses, made more task attempts, and invested more time in the iVR-based OLM task than the Control group. Delayed memory was more severely altered than immediate memory in Long-COVID participants. Better MoCA scores of the Long-COVID group were strongly associated with shorter times to complete the immediate recall of the iVR-based OLM task. Besides, the months elapsed since the COVID-19 infection were slightly associated with fewer correct responses in the immediate and 24-hour recalls. These results corroborate previous findings of memory alterations in the Long-COVID syndrome using an iVR-based OLM task, adding new evidence on spatial memory and long-term memory in this population. Implementing spatial iVR tasks to clinical research may improve our understanding of neuropsychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Llana
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, Oviedo, Asturias 33003, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, Oviedo, Asturias 33003, Spain.
| | - Sara Garces-Arilla
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Aragón 50009, Spain.
| | - M-Carmen Juan
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de Vera, s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain.
| | - Magdalena Mendez-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Aragón 50009, Spain; IIS Aragón, San Juan Bosco, 13, Zaragoza, Aragón 50009, Spain.
| | - Marta Mendez
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, Oviedo, Asturias 33003, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, Oviedo, Asturias 33003, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain.
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Ofori E, Delgado F, James DL, Wilken J, Hancock LM, Doniger GM, Gudesblatt M. Impact of distinct cognitive domains on gait variability in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1573-1581. [PMID: 38753043 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06832-9] [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] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gait variability is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases and has been linked to cognitive impairment. Despite this link, the influence of specific cognitive domains, such as memory, visual spatial skills, executive function, and verbal function on gait variability is not well-understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the predictive value of these specific cognitive domains on gait variability in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia during preferred and dual task walking. METHOD One hundred and two participants with either MCI or dementia underwent a comprehensive cognitive assessment and completed preferred and dual-task walking trials on a pressure-sensing walkway. Gait variability was assessed using the PKMAS software. Lower extremity function was evaluated with a self-reported validated scale. RESULTS Our findings indicate that only visual spatial abilities had a moderate predictive value on gait variability [F (1, 78) = 17.30, p < 0.01, r = 0.43], both in preferred pace walking (70% direct effect) and dual-task walking (90% direct effect) (p's < 0.05). Additionally, lower extremity functional skills had a significant indirect effect (30%) on gait variability in preferred walking contexts. CONCLUSION For individuals diagnosed with MCI or dementia, increased gait variability may be driven by deficits in visual spatial processing. An increased understanding of the role of visual spatial processing in gait variability can aid in the assessment and management of individuals with MCI or dementia, potentially leading to targeted interventions to improve mobility and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Ofori
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Ferdinand Delgado
- Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Dara L James
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wilken
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Washington Neuropsychology Research Group, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Laura M Hancock
- Neuropsychology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Glen M Doniger
- Department of Clinical Research, NeuroTrax Corporation, Naples, FL, USA
- Neuropsychology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Scheper I, Brazil IA, Claassen JAHR, Bertens D, Geurts S, Kessels RPC. Learning capacity in early-stage Alzheimer's disease: The role of feedback during learning on memory performance. J Neuropsychol 2024; 18:100-119. [PMID: 37319104 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12330] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a decline in episodic memory and executive functioning, hampering learning ability. Insight into outcome-based learning capacity may be relevant for optimizing the learning potential of these patients. To date, mixed results have been found in studies in which cognitively impaired participants have to learn based on positive and negative outcomes. In this study, we investigated the role of negative and positive feedback on memory performance and participants' ability to adjust their behaviour accordingly in a sample of 23 early-stage AD patients and 23 matched healthy controls. We administered a novel computerized object-location memory task, in which participants were instructed to learn and memorize the locations of different everyday objects following errorless learning (EL) and trial-and-error learning (TEL). A separate probabilistic TEL task was employed in which participants had to learn how to adjust their behaviour based on positive and negative feedback. EL had a beneficial general effect on memory performance for object locations. However, this effect was not larger in early-stage AD patients compared to controls and error frequency during acquisition of object locations was unrelated to later recall performance. No group differences were found on the probabilistic learning task with respect to learning performance over time and based on positive and negative feedback. Although the error monitoring system seems intact in patients with early-stage AD, errors during learning are likely acting as a source of interference causing difficulty in storage or retrieval of object locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Scheper
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center for Psychiatry, GGZ Centraal, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Inti A Brazil
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Division Diagnostics, Research, & Education, Forensic Psychiatric Centre Pompestichting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A H R Claassen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Dirk Bertens
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Specialists, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Sofie Geurts
- Department of Medical Psychology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Specialists, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
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Sánchez-Escudero JP, Galvis-Herrera AM, Sánchez-Trujillo D, Torres-López LC, Kennedy CJ, Aguirre-Acevedo DC, Garcia-Barrera MA, Trujillo N. Virtual Reality and Serious Videogame-Based Instruments for Assessing Spatial Navigation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties. Neuropsychol Rev 2024:10.1007/s11065-024-09633-7. [PMID: 38403731 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-024-09633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, research using virtual reality and serious game-based instruments for assessing spatial navigation and spatial memory in at-risk and AD populations has risen. We systematically reviewed the literature since 2012 to identify and evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias in the analyses of the psychometric properties of VRSG-based instruments. The search was conducted primarily in July-December 2022 and updated in November 2023 in eight major databases. The quality of instrument development and study design were analyzed in all studies. Measurement properties were defined and analyzed according to COSMIN guidelines. A total of 1078 unique records were screened, and following selection criteria, thirty-seven studies were analyzed. From these studies, 30 instruments were identified. Construct and criterion validity were the most reported measurement properties, while structural validity and internal consistency evidence were the least reported. Nineteen studies were deemed very good in construct validity, whereas 11 studies reporting diagnostic accuracy were deemed very good in quality. Limitations regarding theoretical framework and research design requirements were found in most of the studies. VRSG-based instruments are valuable additions to the current diagnostic toolkit for AD. Further research is required to establish the psychometric performance and clinical utility of VRSG-based instruments, particularly the instrument development, content validity, and diagnostic accuracy for preclinical AD screening scenarios. This review provides a straightforward synthesis of the state of the art of VRSG-based instruments and suggests future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cole J Kennedy
- Department of Psychology & Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Mauricio A Garcia-Barrera
- Department of Psychology & Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Natalia Trujillo
- National College of Public Health, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
- Atlantic Fellowship in Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Wang Y, Chen T, Wang C, Ogihara A, Ma X, Huang S, Zhou S, Li S, Liu J, Li K. A New Smart 2-Min Mobile Alerting Method for Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease in the Community. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020244. [PMID: 36831787 PMCID: PMC9954272 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020244] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The early identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD), in an early stage of AD can expand the AD warning window. We propose a new capability index evaluating the spatial execution process (SEP), which can dynamically evaluate the execution process in the space navigation task. The hypothesis is proposed that there are neurobehavioral differences between normal cognitive (NC) elderly and AD patients with MCI reflected in digital biomarkers captured during SEP. According to this, we designed a new smart 2-min mobile alerting method for MCI due to AD, for community screening. Two digital biomarkers, total mission execution distance (METRtotal) and execution distance above the transverse obstacle (EDabove), were selected by step-up regression analysis. For the participants with more than 9 years of education, the alerting efficiency of the combination of the two digital biomarkers for MCI due to AD could reach 0.83. This method has the advantages of fast speed, high alerting efficiency, low cost and high intelligence and thus has a high application value for community screening in developing countries. It also provides a new intelligent alerting approach based on the human-computer interaction (HCI) paradigm for MCI due to AD in community screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Wang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Atsushi Ogihara
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Department of Health Sciences and Social Welfare, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa 359-1162, Japan
| | - Xiaowen Ma
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shouqiang Huang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Siyu Zhou
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Shuwu Li
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiakang Liu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang-Japan Digital Diagnosis and Treatment and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases Joint Laboratory, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Correspondence:
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Diaz-Orueta U, Rogers BM, Blanco-Campal A, Burke T. The challenge of neuropsychological assessment of visual/visuo-spatial memory: A critical, historical review, and lessons for the present and future. Front Psychol 2022; 13:962025. [PMID: 36081731 PMCID: PMC9447442 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.962025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A proliferation of tests exists for the assessment of auditory-verbal memory processes. However, from a clinical practice perspective, the situation is less clear when it comes to the ready availability of reliable and valid tests for the evaluation of visual/visuo-spatial memory processes. While, at face value, there appear to be a wide range of available tests of visual/visuo-spatial memory, utilizing different types of materials and assessment strategies, a number of criticisms have been, and arguably should be, leveled at the majority of these tests. The criticisms that have been directed toward what are typically considered to be visual/visuo-spatial memory tests, such as (1) the potential for verbal mediation, (2) over-abstraction of stimuli, (3) the requirement of a drawing response, and (4) the lack of sensitivity to unilateral brain lesions, mean that, in reality, the number of readily available valid tests of visual/visuo-spatial memory is, at best, limited. This article offers a critical, historical review on the existing measures and resources for the neuropsychological assessment of visual/visuo-spatial memory, and it showcases some examples of newer tests that have aimed to overcome the challenges of assessing these important aspects of memory. The article also identifies new trends and examples of how technological advances such as virtual reality may add value to overcome previous obstacles to assessment, thereby offering professionals more reliable, accurate means to evaluate visual/visuo-spatial memory in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unai Diaz-Orueta
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Bronagh M. Rogers
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Alberto Blanco-Campal
- Department of Psychiatry for the Older Person and Memory Clinic Services, Health Service Executive, Ardee and Navan, Ireland
| | - Teresa Burke
- Faculty of Science and Health, School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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