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Public Health
Jonas Marquardt1, Niklas Vockert1, Niklas Behrenbruch1,2
1German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 23, 2025
Summary
A novel smartphone-assisted wayfinding training improved spatial navigation skills in older adults. This training showed associations with better hippocampal vascularization and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, suggesting potential for cognitive health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology affects the medial temporal lobe (MTL) early, impacting spatial navigation.
- Spatial navigation deficits are an early cognitive symptom of AD.
- Targeted behavioral interventions may mitigate early AD-related cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a smartphone-assisted real-world wayfinding training for healthy older adults.
- To assess the training's impact on spatial abilities.
- To explore links between wayfinding performance, hippocampal vascularization, and AD biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- 38 healthy older adults (62-84 years) underwent a 3-week smartphone-based navigation training.
- Pre- and post-training assessments included fMRI, virtual pointing tasks, and the Virtual Water-Level Task (VWLT).
- AD biomarkers (plasma Abeta1-42/1-40, Ptau217) and hippocampal vascularization were assessed.
Main Results:
- Navigation training significantly improved performance in pointing tasks and map drawing (p < .001).
- Mobile wayfinding data also showed significant training benefits (p ≤ .017).
- Improved wayfinding efficiency correlated with reduced hippocampal vessel distance (r=.44, p=.012); higher pTau217 correlated with fewer orientation stops (r=-.38, p=.019).
Conclusions:
- Remotely administered real-world wayfinding training enhances spatial navigation and memory in older adults.
- Hippocampal vascularization may positively influence wayfinding efficiency.
- Elevated pTau217 levels were associated with navigational differences, warranting further investigation into mediating effects.
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