Virtual Reality Video Games Improve Fidelity Memory in the Elderly

Wais, PE, Arioli, M., Anguera-Singla, R., et al. Virtual reality video games improve high fidelity memory in older adults. SCI Rep 11, 2552 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82109-3

Commentary

Due to the lack of clear conclusive evidence on the restorative effects of therapeutic interventions to improve long-term memory in older adults, this study investigated a virtual reality (VR) spatial pathfinding game (Labyrinth-VR) with the hypothesis that it could improve detailed, high-fidelity LTM functioning.

Spatial pathfinding games are linked to the vitality of the brain's LTM system because they are used as a means to achieve environmental enhancements through processing and learning novel and complex information.

In this study, 48 older adults of average cognitive function (mean age 68.7 ± 6.4 years) were randomly assigned to 12 hours of computer gameplay for four weeks in either the Labyrinth VR or placebo-controlled game arms.

Quickly before and after each participant's treatment plan, a high-fidelity LTM outcome measure was tested to assess mnemonic discrimination and other memory measures.

Results showed a post-treatment increase in high-fidelity LTM ability in the Labyrinth-VR arm compared to placebo, reaching levels achieved by young adults in a separate experiment. The results of this study are explained in light of related studies of hippocampus-dependent memory function.