Music-enhanced immersive virtual reality in the rehabilitation of memory-related cognitive processes and functional abilities: A case report

The use of virtual reality (VR) applications in the rehabilitation of memor y-related cognitive processes and functional abilities, is supported by dif ferent studies showing that, in persons with neurologically-based memory im pairment, procedural memory often remain relatively intact. VR, by way of i ts 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 wh ich contains functional real-world demands. Starting from the above rationale, the paper presents the music-enhanced VR -based treatment of C., a 65-year old woman, experiencing an impairment in memory-related cognitive processes. At the end of treatment the subject exp erienced a 12-week booster section. The results presented showed that, afte r the treatment, the patient experienced an improved clinical condition con firmed by the results of different neuropsychological tests. These results were maintained even during a 3-month follow-up.