Neuropsychological rehabilitation of spatial memory: A systematic review

Spatial memory is defined as the cognitive ability that enables individuals to encode, store, and retrieve information related to the location of objects in the environment. This function may be compromised by aging or neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, the development of interventions aimed at its stimulation and rehabilitation is imperative.

This study aimed to review empirical work on the neuropsychological rehabilitation of human spatial memory.

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they involved spatial memory rehabilitation or training programs assessing pre- and post-intervention outcomes. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated in terms of sample characteristics, intervention design, and spatial memory measures.

Across studies, post-intervention improvements were observed in tasks assessing visuospatial recall, route learning, and navigation efficiency, measured using instruments such as the Corsi Block-Tapping Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, and virtual navigation tasks. Moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.5-0.9) were reported for allocentric and active navigation training, particularly in immersive virtual reality and multimodal interventions. Improvements in visuospatial working memory, route learning, and allocentric navigation were broader in healthy older adults and more specific and compensatory in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The observed benefits were influenced by variables such as immersion level, type of spatial cues, and baseline cognitive performance.

Neuropsychological interventions represent effective strategies for enhancing and maintaining spatial memory. These findings emphasize the need to adapt intervention protocols to individual characteristics and task demands to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.