Neuropsychological Exploration of Spatial Cognition and Navigation

Dear Colleagues,

Humans, along with many other species, interact with the environment in which they perform their actions. Understanding spatial relations between elements of an environment, including one’s own position in space, helps to construct a mental map of space. Such representations are crucial for survival. Three distinct conceptualizations of space can be considered: the space of the body, the space surrounding the body, and the space accessible through movement. The latter, known as navigational space, has traditionally garnered the attention of researchers, as spatial navigation is often used to assess spatial memory in various species.

Different and overlapping neural networks support these distinct spaces. Neuropsychological assessment of specific cognitive processes provides crucial insights into brain function and helps in detecting pathologies early on. Development, aging, sex, familiarity with the environment, job expertise, mental health, and individual differences in cognitive style are among the many factors that can influence our construction and use of space. Space is built up during early childhood, and the ability for spatial orientation declines with age, aiding in the early identification of cognitive problems such as dementia, especially Alzheimer’s Disease. Furthermore, sex also influences these skills, which can be enhanced through various activities, including physical exercise. Familiarity with the environment and job expertise are important factors in acquiring and maintaining spatial knowledge. Therefore, there is a high interest in studying specific populations. It is well-known that military pilots, taxi drivers, engineers, and air traffic controllers are particularly skilled at mentally representing the environment. These abilities become cognitive reserve and protective factors as people age. Consequently, research in this field encompasses the development of new tasks and their application across different populations and clinical conditions.

We are seeking empirical or theoretical manuscripts addressing the factors contributing to spatial cognition and navigation. Critical reviews are especially welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jose Manuel Cimadevilla
Dr. Laura Piccardi
Dr. Raffaella Nori
Dr. Maria Kozhevnikov
Prof. Dr. Sean Commins
Guest Editors

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• spatial memory
• neuropsychological
• spatial navigation
• cognitive disorder
• Alzheimer’s disease
• spatial cognition
• dementia
• brain Function