Introduction to Virtual Reality and Memory
A decline in memory is a harsh reality for some people as they age and should even mark the beginning of dementia, similar to Alzheimer’s disease. But latest research suggests that point spent in virtual reality – through a video game – could help older adults restore their memory into higher shape. Scientists at UC San Francisco’s Neuroscape brain research center have developed a first-of-its-kind virtual reality video game that may improve memory in healthy, older adults.
The Study and Its Findings
The study involved 48 cognitively average older adults, with a mean age of 69 years. Half of the participants played Labyrinth-VR, while the opposite half, the placebo group, played regular industrial video games not expected to have helpful effects on memory. All participants played for 12 hours over 4 weeks. Researchers saw an improvement in a very important form of long-term memory – high fidelity memory, the flexibility to inform apart latest objects from very similar ones viewed before.
How the Game Works
In the brand new, immersive game, called Labryinth-VR, players don a head-mounted virtual reality display and navigate through “neighborhoods” of accelerating size and complete errands of accelerating complexity as the sport progresses through 42 levels. Importantly, players walk in place and move their bodies as they navigate the sport, gaining physical exertion that may increase cerebral blood flow related to improvement typically cognitive performance.
Results and Implications
Participants were scored on high fidelity memory using a test that assessed recollection of previously seen objects. Those who played Labyrinth significantly improved their high-fidelity memory relative to the placebo group. In fact, their high-fidelity memory was on par with that of players of their 20s, based on prior testing of varied demographic groups. These results suggest that after Labyrinth training, 75 out of 100 cognitively average older adults would perform like average college-aged players.
Future Developments and Potential
Aside from high fidelity memory, participants didn’t improve significantly on other memory tasks evaluated, similar to a “walk test” that assessed recall of landmarks seen on a walk across the block. But researchers say it could be possible to spice up performance on this measure, too, by tweaking the way in which the sport is run. They plan to check whether more hours playing the sport would help participants who learn the virtual neighborhoods more slowly. A tablet version can also be within the works, which might convey a way of depth perspective and has the potential to dramatically improve access to a Labyrinth-style therapeutic from the comfort of home.
Conclusion
The study’s findings are promising and suggest that virtual reality games like Labyrinth-VR may very well be a useful gizmo in improving memory in older adults. With further development and refinement, these games could potentially function a digital intervention for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. As researchers proceed to explore the potential of virtual reality in improving cognitive function, we may even see a brand new era of progressive and effective treatments for age-related memory decline.
