Music-enhanced Immersive Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Memoryrelated Cognitive Processes and Functional Abilities: A Case Report

Abstract

The use of virtual reality (VR) applications in the rehabilitation of memory-related cognitive processes and functional abilities, is supported by different studies showing that, in persons with neurologically-based memory impairment, procedural memory often remain relatively intact. VR, by way of its interactive and immersive features, could be used to exploit the patient's preserved procedural abilities. In particular, cognitive processes could be restored via procedures practiced repetitively within an environment which contains functional real-world demands. Starting from the above rationale, the paper presents the music-enhanced VRbased treatment of C., a 65-year old woman, experiencing an impairment in memory-related cognitive processes. At the end of treatment the subject experienced a 12-week booster section. The results presented showed that, after the treatment, the patient experienced an improved clinical condition confirmed by the results of different neuropsychological tests. These results were maintained even during a 3-month follow-up.