From vestibular degeneration to alterations in spatial coding fear perception and mobility

HOW CAN EXTENDED REALITY HELP TO INCREASE REAL-WORLD PARTICIPATION?

ESTABLISHING LINKS BETWEEN VESTIBULAR DEFICITS AND COGNITIVE VITALITY

Vestibular perception begins to decline at the age of 40, and vertigo and dizziness, resulting from vestibular dysfunction, are among the most common complaints in humans over 60. Vestibular dysfunction in aging adults is further associated with a higher risk of falls, lower quality of life and a decrease in cognitive function.
In this project, we will determine how theoretically motivated Extended Reality (XR) can be used to counteract age-related vestibular degeneration. First, ultra-high resolution neuroimaging will serve to elucidate structural and functional alterations from the inner ear to the entorhinal-hippocampal circuit that are associated with vestibular dysfunction. Secondly, we will employ participatory design to develop innovative XR based vestibular interventions for older adults. Third, we will assess if therapeutic effects not only help to improve vestibular functioning, but if they also transfer to preserve spatial memory and navigation, reduce subjective fear, and, ultimately, enhance real-world mobility. Finally, we will employ computational models to predict therapeutic adherence and individual disease trajectories.