The effect of visual perspective on episodic memory in aging: A virtual reality study.

The possibility of flexibly retrieving our memories using a first-person or a third-person perspective (1PP or 3PP) has been extensively investigated in episodic memory research. Here, we used a Virtual Reality-based paradigm to manipulate the visual perspective used during the encoding stage to investigate age-related differences in the formation of memories experienced from 1PP vs. 3PP. 32 young adults and 32 seniors participated in the study. Participants navigated through two virtual cities to encode complex real-life virtual events, from either a 1PP (as if from their egocentric viewpoint) or a 3PP, while actively controlling an avatar. While recognition accuracy was higher in young adults after encoding in 1PP compared to 3PP, there was no benefit in memory formation in 1PP for older adults. These findings are discussed in terms of both age-related changes in episodic memory functioning and self-referencing processes

Virtual Reality as a Vehicle to Empower Motor-Cognitive Neurorehabilitation.

In this paper, we advocate the combination of four key ingredients that we believe are necessary to design long-lasting effective treatments for neurorehabilitation: (i) motor-cognitive training, (ii) evidence-based neuroscience principles, in particular those related to body perception, (iii) motivational games, and (iv) empowerment techniques. Then, we propose virtual reality (VR) as the appropriate medium to encompass all the requirements mentioned above. VR is arguably one of the most suitable technologies for neurorehabilitation able to integrate evidence-based neurorehabilitation techniques and neuroscience principles into motivating training approaches that promote self-management by empowering patients to own their recovery process. We discuss the advantages and challenges of such an approach on several exemplary applications and outline directions for future developments. We strongly believe that the combination of positive psychology and positive technology mediated by VR-based interventions can heavily impact the rehabilitation outcomes of motor-cognitive functions along all the stages of the rehabilitation path

Correction to: Pre-frail older adults show improved cognition with StayFitLonger computerized home–based training: A randomized controlled trial (GeroScience, (2023), 45, 2, (811-822), 10.1007/s11357-022-00674-5)

The original version of this article unfortunately contained an error in Table 1. There is an error in the numbers (means and SD)

Serious video games and virtual reality for prevention and neurorehabilitation of cognitive decline because of aging and neurodegeneration.

Cognitive decline because of aging and neurodegeneration has become increasingly prevalent. This calls for the implementation of efficacious, motivating, standardized and widely available cognitive interventions for the elderly. In this context, serious video games and virtual reality may represent promising approaches. Here, we review recent research on their potential for cognitive prevention and neurorehabilitation of age-related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The majority of currently available data in this evolving domain lacks the methodological quality to draw reliable conclusions on the potential of novel technology for cognitive training in older people. However, single well designed randomized controlled trials have reported promising effects of cognitive interventions involving serious video games and virtual reality. The cognitive benefits of exergames promoting physical exercise with and without combined cognitive training remain unclear. The immersion into stimulating and motivating environments along with training content based on neuroscientific and neuropsychological models may represent a significant advance as compared with conventional computerized cognitive training. Additional research with sound methodology including sufficient sample sizes, active control groups and meaningful outcome measures of everyday function is needed to elucidate the potential of serious video games and virtual reality in multifactorial neurorehabilitation of cognitive decline in aging and neurodegeneration

Covid Long : quelle prise en charge neuropsychologique ? La filière proposée au Centre Leenaards de la Mémoire [Long COVID : which neuropsychological intervention ? The example applied at the Leenaards Memory Centre]

A "Long COVID" care management was created at the Leenaards Memory Centre (Lausanne University Hospital) to meet the high demand for neuropsychological examinations in the patients which have persistent symptoms for several months. A multidisciplinary evaluation specifically addressing aspects of fatigue and sleep as well as cognition has been developed to receive these patients. Depending on the severity of their symptoms, they are then oriented towards a holistic group treatment, integrating cognitive remediation including psycho-education, restorative and compensatory methods to cope with their cognitive difficulties, and tools to manage the various symptoms of COVID-long (fatigue, insomnia, stress, depression and reduced quality of life)

Troubles cognitifs chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH. L’importance d’une prise en charge multidisciplinaire [Multidisciplinary assessment and management of neurocognitive complaints in people living with HIV]

Current recommendations for the management of neurocognitive complaints in people living with HIV (PLWH) include a series of evaluations that may start with the exclusion of depression followed by a stepwise approach comprised by neurological, neuropsychological and psychiatric assessment, alongside the performance of an MRI and a lumbar puncture. This extensive evaluation is time demanding, and face PLHW with multiple medical consultations and waiting lists. As a response to these challenges, we have developed a one-day Neuro-HIV platform where PLWH undergo a state of the art multidisciplinary assessment in order to provide the necessary diagnoses and interventions to improve their quality of life

Rationale and protocol of the StayFitLonger study: a multicentre trial to measure efficacy and adherence of a home-based computerised multidomain intervention in healthy older adults.

In older adults, multidomain training that includes physical and cognitive activities has been associated with improvement of physical and cognitive health. The goal of the multisite StayFitLonger study is to assess a home-based computerised training programme, which combines physical exercises, stimulating cognitive activities and virtual coaching. One hundred twenty-eight cognitively healthy older adults will be recruited from the community in Switzerland, Canada and Belgium. The study will comprise (1) a 26-week double-blind randomized controlled efficacy trial and (2) a 22-week pragmatic adherence sub-study. In the efficacy trial, participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental or an active control intervention. In the experimental intervention, participants will use the StayFitLonger programme, which is computerised on a tablet and provides content that combines physical activities with a focus on strength and balance, as well as divided attention, problem solving and memory training. Outcomes will be measured before and after 26 weeks of training. The primary efficacy outcome will be performance on the "Timed-Up & Go" test. Secondary outcomes will include measures of frailty, cognition, mood, fear of falling, quality of life, and activities of daily living. Age, sex, education, baseline cognition, expectation, and adherence will be used as moderators of efficacy. Following the 26-week efficacy trial, all participants will use the experimental programme meaning that participants in the control group will 'cross over' to receive the StayFitLonger programme for 22 weeks. Adherence will be measured in both groups based on dose, volume and frequency of use. In addition, participants' perception of the programme and its functionalities will be characterised through usability, acceptability and user experience. This study will determine the efficacy, adherence and participants' perception of a home-based multidomain intervention programme and its functionalities. This will allow for further development and possible commercialization of a scientifically validated training programme. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04237519 Registered on January 22, 2020 - Retrospectively registered

Dementia prevention in memory clinics: recommendations from the European task force for brain health services

Observational population studies indicate that prevention of dementia and cognitive decline is being accomplished, possibly as an unintended result of better vascular prevention and healthier lifestyles. Population aging in the coming decades requires deliberate efforts to further decrease its prevalence and societal burden. Increasing evidence supports the efficacy of preventive interventions on persons with intact cognition and high dementia risk. We report recommendations for the deployment of second-generation memory clinics (Brain Health Services) whose mission is evidence-based and ethical dementia prevention in at-risk individuals. The cornerstone interventions consist of (i) assessment of genetic and potentially modifiable risk factors including brain pathology, and risk stratification, (ii) risk communication with ad-hoc protocols, (iii) risk reduction with multi-domain interventions, and (iv) cognitive enhancement with cognitive and physical training. A roadmap is proposed for concept validation and ensuing clinical deployment

Dementia prevention in memory clinics: recommendations from the European task force for brain health services

Observational population studies indicate that prevention of dementia and cognitive decline is being accomplished, possibly as an unintended result of better vascular prevention and healthier lifestyles. Population aging in the coming decades requires deliberate efforts to further decrease its prevalence and societal burden. Increasing evidence supports the efficacy of preventive interventions on persons with intact cognition and high dementia risk. We report recommendations for the deployment of second-generation memory clinics (Brain Health Services) whose mission is evidence-based and ethical dementia prevention in at-risk individuals. The cornerstone interventions consist of (i) assessment of genetic and potentially modifiable risk factors including brain pathology, and risk stratification, (ii) risk communication with ad-hoc protocols, (iii) risk reduction with multi-domain interventions, and (iv) cognitive enhancement with cognitive and physical training. A roadmap is proposed for concept validation and ensuing clinical deployment