Do you get lost?
September 26th 2008 00:25
Signature Tune
From : The epoch Times, NY, USA
By Joan Delaney
Epoch Times Staff
"Navigating and orienting in an environment are complex cognitive skills, involving parts of the brain used for memory, attention, perception, and decision-making. It also requires using at least two distinct types of memory systems," Iaria said in the release.
While the procedural memory system involves using landmarks, distances, or following stereotyped movements to move between locations, the spatial memory system is more complex.
A person creates a “cognitive map” when moving through an environment, whether it is familiar or not. The ability to "create" and "read" these cognitive maps enables a person to navigate and follow a route without getting lost.
It is known that malformations or lesions in parts of the brain important for navigation cause difficulties. While no such defects or lesions in this patient's brain were detected, a series of behavioural tests revealed that the patient's problem was due to a specific inability to form cognitive maps.
"We suspect that this patient is not unique, and that there are others suffering varying degrees of selective developmental topographical disorientation," said Dr. Jason Barton, Canada Research Chair and director of the Human Vision and Eye Movement Laboratory where the patient was studied.'
"They might have a lifelong story of episodes like getting lost in their own house or neighbourhood, at school or at work, and having to rely on others for directions. In extreme circumstances, this can even lead to social isolation."
The researchers have designed a website specifically to inform people about orientation skills and reach others who experience topographical disorientation. This will help researchers to better understand the disorder and to develop rehabilitation treatments that may help affected individuals develop orientation skills.
More information is available at www.gettinglost.ca
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