Confirmation of Candidature - Evaluating the Impact of Cognitive Training on Spatial Memory and Wayfinding Skills in Individuals with Early and Medium Stage Alzheimer's Dementia: A Virtual Reality Approach

Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), severely affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning, diminishing individuals' independence and quality of life. This study examines the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training in enhancing spatial memory and its impact on wayfinding, spatial awareness, and cognitive mapping in AD patients. Given that spatial disorientation and navigation difficulties are early symptoms of AD, this research leverages immersive VR environments to potentially improve these cognitive abilities. Conducted at Tehran University's lab, the study involves participants with mild to moderate AD, utilizing pre-test and post-test assessments to measure intervention outcomes. Ethics approval will be obtained from the University of Southern Queensland's Ethics Committee. The research team, comprising a clinical psychologist, cognitive psychologist, and general practitioner, will secure caregiver consent and ensure participants meet the study criteria, including an MMSE score between 18 and 22. The VR-based cognitive training aims to simulate real-world navigation challenges, offering a novel approach to cognitive rehabilitation. The findings aim to fill gaps in existing literature on the relationship between spatial memory and navigation in dementia patients, providing valuable insights for developing effective interventions. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance the spatial functioning and quality of life of those affected by AD through innovative cognitive training methods.

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