Your Brain On

Your Brain On... Virtual Reality

Jun 5, 2024

Virtual reality gadgets trick our brains by creating hyper-realistic simulations. VR game designers prevent motion sickness cleverly. VR is used for treating conditions like PTSD. VR was used in neurological studies back in the 90s. We must adopt VR tech responsibly with caution.

33:46

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Quick takeaways

VR technology aids in cognitive therapy by creating realistic simulations for treating disorders like ADHD and PTSD.

VR has a broader application in education by showing benefits in physical fitness, attention, memory, and cognition, especially for children with dyslexia.

Deep dives

Utilizing VR for Therapeutic Purposes

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been leveraged for treating disorders like ADHD and PTSD. By creating realistic simulations that trick the brain into feeling like it's in a new reality, VR aids in cognitive rehabilitation in engaging and gamified contexts. Through controlled stimulus environments, individuals can confront fears or traumas, activating emotional responses for effective therapy. VR has shown promise in clinical settings, allowing for personalized experiences that aid in recovery and brain function improvements.

Intro

2min

The Evolution and Impact of Virtual Reality in Clinical Applications

13min

User-centered design for virtual environments in clinical settings

2min

Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Virtual Reality

14min

Prioritizing Cognition for Thriving in the Modern World

2min

Ethical Considerations in Integrating Virtual Reality into Therapy Practices

2min

VR headsets allow us to step into vast virtual worlds. What does that mean for our brains?

Virtual reality technology is the most advanced and affordable it’s ever been, and the tools to create immersive environments are just a few clicks away. Are we destined for a dystopian future, lost in computer-generated isolation?

On the contrary, VR devices have been put to good use in clinical settings for research and therapy. Our brains react to their hyper-realistic simulations, but without any of the physical dangers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How VR gadgets trick your brain into forgetting you’re in a virtual reality

• The clever ways VR game designers prevent us from feeling motion sickness

• How VR has been used in treating conditions like PTSD and ADHD

• The early uses of VR tech in neurological studies, back in the 90s

• The ethical responsibility we all have to adopt these technologies with a healthy degree of caution

We’re joined by two experts at the intersection of VR and neuroscience: Albert ‘Skip’ Rizzo, Research Director at USC Institute for Creative Technologies for Medical Virtual Reality, and Dr. Adam Gazzaley, co-founder and Chief Science Advisor of therapeutic video game development company Akili Interactive.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Virtual Reality’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 6

LINKS

Albert ‘Skip’ Rizzo:

at USC Institute for Creative Technologies: https://ict.usc.edu/about-us/leadership/research-leadership/albert-skip-rizzo/

Dr. Adam Gazzaley:

Adam’s website: https://gazzaley.com/

at Neuroscape: https://neuroscape.ucsf.edu/profile/adam-gazzaley/

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com