Abstract & Overview
Spatial memory, a fundamental cognitive function, enables individuals to encode, store, and retrieve information about their surroundings. Traditional assessment methods, such as paper-based tests and laboratory paradigms, often lack ecological validity and fail to capture the complexities of real-world navigation. Recent advancements in digital technologies, particularly virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), have introduced innovative tools for more immersive and accurate spatial memory assessments. VR provides controlled, replicable environments that simulate real-world navigation, while MR enhances engagement by blending virtual elements with physical spaces. This narrative review explores the cognitive mechanisms underlying spatial memory, highlighting the roles of egocentric and allocentric reference frames, as well as the neural substrates involved. The review also examines key factors influencing spatial memory performance, such as age, sex, neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Digital tools such as the virtual Morris water maze and the VR Supermarket Test have been shown to possess enhanced ecological validity and diagnostic potential, particularly in the context of detecting early cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. However, the field confronts several challenges, including the necessity for standardized protocols, the potential for adverse effects such as cybersickness, and the substantial cost associated with VR and MR systems. Future research directions in this field should include the integration of artificial intelligence for personalized assessments, and the combination of VR and MR tasks with neurophysiological techniques to advance understanding of spatial memory. Standardization, accessibility, and the creation of adaptive assessment for clinical populations will be crucial for optimizing the use of digital technologies in spatial memory research.