Visualization of natural landscapes and selective attention in patients with AD and MCI / Visualización de paisajes naturales y atención selectiva en pacientes con EA y DCL

Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) involve a progressive deterioration in cognitive function, including attention. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) argues that visualization of certain natural landscapes improves attention. The aim of this article is to ascertain whether people with AD and MCI could benefit from exposure to restorative landscapes in a selective attention test. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. 32 participants (72% women) diagnosed with AD (52%) or MCI performed a selective attention test before and after exposure. The experimental group was exposed to restorative landscapes, while the control group was exposed to alternative material. The experimental group was faster (intergroup comparison) and more precise (intragroup comparison). Restorative landscapes have been proven to be useful for selective attention in people with AD and MCI, providing an additional resource in cognitive interventions.