Validity and diagnostic performance of a virtual reality-based supermarket application “MEMOSHOP” for assessing episodic memory in normal and pathological aging

Abstract

Objective MEMOSHOP is a virtual reality (VR)-based supermarket application for assessing episodic memory in aging. The aim of this study was to examine its construct validity against the gold standard paper-and-pencil neuropsychological test for clinical memory assessment in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. Methods Patients with isolated subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) or MCI were recruited in the Bordeaux Memory Clinic (MEMENTO cohort). Cognitively normal elderly controls were also recruited. MEMOSHOP allows a near-ecological evaluation of episodic memory during a usual daily life activity, i.e. shopping at the supermarket. MEMOSHOP and the gold standard Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT: French adaptation) were administered to all participants to assess episodic memory. Non-parametric tests and receiver operating characteristic curves were computed to compare their performances. Results Twenty-nine patients (21 females, age = 71 years ±7) and 29 matched controls were evaluated. The performance trends observed with MEMOSHOP and FCSRT on free and cued recall were associated ( p < .01) and comparable ( p < .0001), without any participants' groups interaction. Although easier than FCSRT in free recall for participants, MEMOSHOP demonstrated better diagnostic performance based on cued recall in isolated SCCs/MCI patients ( p < .05). Conclusion MEMOSHOP demonstrated its reliability and validity for VR-based episodic memory assessment in the early stage of MCI and is potentially of interest for use in memory clinic settings.