How can virtual reality improve neuropsychological assessment? What can VR reveal about attention, executive functions, and memory that traditional testing might miss?
In this Nesplora webinar, Dr. Philip Sarpong, clinical psychologist, joins Nesplora’s R&D Manager to explore the practical applications of virtual reality in neuropsychology, drawing on clinical experience, real-world examples, and the possibilities offered by immersive assessment tools.
From traditional testing to real-world cognitive assessment
Traditional neuropsychological tests provide valuable information about cognitive functioning. However, understanding how attention, memory, and executive functions operate in everyday environments remains an important challenge.
Virtual reality-based assessments introduce controlled, realistic scenarios in which cognitive performance can be measured while accounting for environmental distractions.
During the conversation, Dr. Sarpong shares his experience integrating VR assessments into clinical practice, including the evaluation of adults with ADHD and the influence of factors such as anxiety, stress, and sleep difficulties on cognitive performance.
The discussion explores several key questions:
- Ecological validity: How can immersive environments help clinicians understand cognitive performance in situations resembling everyday life?
- Attention and distractibility: What can visual and auditory distractions reveal about an individual’s attentional functioning?
- Executive functions and emotional regulation: How can complex cognitive tasks provide additional insights into frustration, self-awareness, and behavioral responses?
- Clinical interpretation: Why should VR assessment complement, rather than replace, clinical interviews and other neuropsychological measures?
- Practical implementation: When should clinicians introduce VR assessments, and what challenges might arise in clinical practice?
- Assessment and intervention: How can VR-based results support treatment planning, patient feedback, and the monitoring of cognitive functioning over time?
The clinician’s role: turning assessment data into meaningful insights
One of the central messages of the discussion is that technology does not replace clinical judgment.
VR-based neuropsychological assessments can generate detailed information about cognitive performance, but interpreting that information requires understanding each patient’s clinical history, emotional state, and everyday challenges.
As Dr. Sarpong explains, assessment findings become especially valuable when clinicians can translate them into understandable explanations and practical recommendations.
The session also explores how VR-based assessments may contribute to psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), by helping clinicians discuss cognitive difficulties, identify relevant behavioral patterns, and evaluate changes throughout treatment.
Watch the full webinar
Explore the conversation and discover how virtual reality is being integrated into contemporary neuropsychological practice.
Table of contents
Click on any chapter to jump directly to that section of the webinar.
- 00:00 – Welcome and introductions
- 05:47 – Why use virtual reality in neuropsychological assessment?
- 09:46 – What can VR assessment reveal that traditional testing may miss?
- 14:39 – What are the limitations of VR assessment?
- 18:12 – Nesplora VR assessments: Aula, Aquarium, Ice Cream and Suite
- 23:16 – Executive functions, emotional regulation and the Ice Cream test
- 27:36 – How easy is it to use VR in clinical practice?
- 29:46 – When should VR be introduced in a neuropsychological assessment?
- 31:29 – Can VR assessments be administered remotely?
- 35:53 – How to communicate VR assessment results to patients
- 40:44 – Q&A: Using VR assessment in psychotherapy and CBT
- 43:34 – Q&A: Understanding and interpreting T-scores
- 47:07 – Additional resources and audience questions
- 48:04 – Motion sickness and validity in VR assessment
- 50:33 – Standardized scores and Nesplora reports
- 52:36 – Closing remarks
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