A Rapid Review on Using Memory Palace Techniques in Virtual Reality for Memory Assessment

Memory assessment is a critical component of cognitive research and clinical practice, providing insights into cognitive well-being and performance. While traditional neuropsychological tests remain standard, advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have offered innovative methods for assessing memory. This rapid review examines 9 studies to explore the use of VR-based memory palace techniques and memory assessments. The findings reveal a significant alignment between VR tasks and memory enhancement, while virtual reality also captures relationships with executive functions and overall cognitive performance. By incorporating various ecological contexts, such as residential or commercial environments, virtual reality enhances the environmental validity of memory assessments. However, challenges such as limited accessibility and variability in both VR hardware and software may hinder broader adoption. These limitations, along with the rapidly advancing nature of VR technology, underscore the need for further research to optimize and expand the role of virtual reality in memory assessment.