A study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) found that people at risk of Alzheimer's disease had impaired spatial navigation before they had problems with other cognitive functions, such as memory.
The study, using virtual reality technology, tested the spatial navigation ability of 100 asymptomatic middle-aged adults (aged 43-66 years) from a prospective cohort study of PREVENT-Dementia. These participants are at genetic or physiological risk for Alzheimer's disease because they carry the APOE-ε4 allele, family history, or lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise.
The researchers asked participants to wear VR headsets and complete navigation tasks in a virtual environment.
Men, in fact, are more likely to "not know the way"
The results showed that individuals at higher risk of Alzheimer's disease performed poorly on VR navigation tasks, regardless of risk factors, suggesting that impairment in spatial navigation may begin years or even decades before other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear.
In addition, the study also found gender differences, with impaired navigation occurring mainly in men rather than women.
How do you train your "sense of direction"?
Training a sense of orientation is a step-by-step process, combining theoretical learning with practical operations, which can help you better understand spatial relationships and improve your positioning and navigation skills in different environments
1. Reading and using maps
- Learn the basics of geography: understand basic directions (north, south, east, west), map symbols, and scales.
- Use a paper map: Plan your route on a paper or digital map before you travel, noting the location of landmarks.
- Field comparison: Bring a map with you when you go out, try to match the actual scene with the map, observe and memorize road signs and street layouts.
2. Use technical aids
Navigate with a smartphone or GPS device, but don't rely on it entirely, try to mentally follow the route and understand the logic of the steering.
3. Participate in outdoor activities
- Hiking & Exploring: Hike outdoors regularly, especially by choosing different routes, to exercise your ability to orient yourself in an unfamiliar environment.
- Orienteering: Participate in orienteering, a sport that specializes in training your sense of direction and map reading skills for all ages.
4. Spatial thinking exercises
- Jigsaw puzzles and maze games: Play some jigsaw puzzles or solve maze problems, which will exercise your spatial imagination and logical reasoning skills.
- Memory training: Recall the route in your mind and try to close your eyes and imagine the detailed path from home to a certain place.
5. Be curious and open-minded
- Take the initiative to explore unknown areas, don't be discouraged even if you make a mistake, every time you get lost, it's an opportunity to learn.
- When walking with people with a good sense of direction, ask them about their navigation strategies and learn how they observe and think.
Through consistent practice and application of the above methods, your sense of direction will gradually improve. Remember, everyone learns at different speeds and ways, and the key is to be patient and positive.
论文参考——Coco Newton, Marianna Pope, Catarina Rua, Richard Henson, Zilong Ji, Neil Burgess, Christopher T. Rodgers, Matthias Stangl, Maria‐Eleni Dounavi, Andrea Castegnaro, Ivan Koychev, Paresh Malhotra, Thomas Wolbers, Karen Ritchie, Craig W. Ritchie, John O'Brien, Li Su, Dennis Chan. Entorhinal‐based path integration selectively predicts midlife risk of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 2024; DOI: 10.1002/alz.13733