JLE

Revue de neuropsychologie

MENU

Contributions of virtual reality to neuropsychology: the case of prospective memory Volume 4, issue 4, Décembre 2012

Figures

See all figures

Authors
Inserm, U1077, Caen, France, Université de Caen - Basse-Normandie, UMR-S1077, Caen, France, École pratique des hautes études, UMR-S1077, Caen, France, CHU de Caen, UMR-S1077, Avenue Côte de Nacre, CS 30001, 14033 Caen, Cedex 9, France

For the past 20 years, technological advancements have been contributing towards consolidating neuropsychological works. Virtual reality is a computer-based technology where individuals are placed in a virtual environment that they can explore and interact with in real time. Virtual reality has allowed the development of novel and more complex paradigms, through which it is possible to provide more comprehensive assessments of cognition. This article provides a review of studies on prospective memory (defined as memory for delayed intentions) using virtual reality. This aspect of memory is the subject of recurring complaints in aging and in numerous brain diseases. Despite the impact of such a deficit on the autonomy of individuals, it has been rarely evaluated. The objectives of this article are to highlight the contributions of virtual reality in the understanding of how prospective memory functions in healthy young subjects, and its evolution during normal aging, as well as in cases of brain diseases and substance use. We will discuss the advantages and the current limitations that virtual reality poses towards its further integration into neuropsychology and the opportunities offered by the development of this technology.