Virtual day: Training perspective memory in older adults with virtual reality

Prospective memory (PM) refers to the ability to remember daily intentions at the appropriate moment. Studies aiming to improve PM in older adults showed only limited training efficiency and often lack transferability to everyday life. In this study, we present a new training environment based on 3D-Virtual Reality (VR) called Virtual Day. Virtual Day simulates an immersive everyday environment with typical daily activities. Healthy older adults (N = 90) will be assigned to one of three groups: 1) Virtual Day training group, receiving a PM training in the novel VR environment; 2) Conventional training group, receiving PM training using the computerized 2D-boardgame Virtual Week; and 3) No contact control group, receiving no training. All three groups will be assessed before and after the training on their PM performance using the Virtual Day and Virtual Week tasks and real-life PM tasks including a call-back task and an intention diary. Data collection is ongoing and first preliminary results will be presented. VR offers the controlled setting of a laboratory study and allows to implement a complex, multisensory and realistic experience. Thus, the study aims to advance cognitive training research by integrating a real-life experience in the lab.