An immersive virtual reality navigational tool for diagnosing and treating neurodegeneration

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2016
Authors
White, Paul
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Libertas
Abstract

One of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a loss of spatial navigation. In this work, we improved an existing screening test for AD that analyzed a patient’s spatial navigation ability. The existing screening test was made more immersive, and therefore more reliable, by integrating support for a leading-edge consumer-targeted Head-Mounted Display (HMD). This integration brought some technical and usability challenges, that were addressed. Furthermore, we investigated the rehabilitative potential of Virtual Reality Navigational (VRN) activities in two case studies: an Early Stage AD (ESA) participant and a Late Stage AD (LSA) participant. We found that the ESA participant was able to significantly improve his navigation skills, and we observed some qualitative improvements in memory and navigation in his personal life. The LSA participant did not improve noticeably at the VRN tasks, but his mood improved after participating in the treatment sessions. These case studies suggested that VRN treatment may be beneficial for people with AD, especially at the onset stage.

Description
Keywords
Alzheimer's Disease, Virtual Reality, Spatial Navigation, HMD, VR, AD, Oculus Rift, VRN Chair, Cognitive Treatment
Citation
P. J. White and Z. Moussavi, “Neurocognitive Treatment for a Patient with Alzheimer’s Disease Using a Virtual Reality Navigational Environment,” J. Exp. Neurosci., vol. 10, p. 129, 2016.