Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Assessing Human Spatial Navigation in a Virtual Space and its Sensitivity to Exercise
Published on: January 26, 2024
Development and validation of the Spatial Navigation and Memory Questionnaire (SPAM)
Monique S Boord1,2, Sol Morrissey3, Hannah A D Keage4
1College of Human Sciences and Culture Flinders University Adelaide South Australia Australia.
Introduction:
Spatial navigation deficits may provide a sensitive and specific marker of early Alzheimer's disease pathology. However, few spatial navigation assessment tools are available for clinical practice that are accessible, time efficient, and sensitive to cognitive aging.
Methods:
Exploratory (n = 470) and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 470) were conducted to establish the factor structure of the Spatial Navigation and Memory Questionnaire (SPAM) in healthy older adults. A subset of participants (n = 445) completed the Virtual Supermarket Test (VST) to assess convergent validity. Normative data were reported stratified by age and sex.
Results:
A two-factor structure reflecting spatial navigation and memory for both subscales of the SPAM was supported, with acceptable to good internal consistency across factors. SPAM spatial navigation scores and VST performance were significantly correlated.
Discussion:
The SPAM demonstrates a clear and interpretable factor structure, acceptable model fit, and preliminary evidence of validity with an objective measure of spatial navigation performance.
