Algorithmic Derivation of Human Spatial Navigation Indices From Eye Movement Data

The human ability to navigate through familiar environments, such as one's residence, even under low light conditions, is underpinned by a sophisticated cognitive mechanism referred to as spatial navigation Chen et al. [2023a], Wilkins [2011]. Humans use spatial navigation as a complex cognitive process that is important in finding their way around the environment by utilizing different senses and areas of the brain McNamara and Chen [2022], Chen et al. [2023b], Garg et al. [2024], Verghese and Blumen [2022]. It involves cues such as landmarks and information on self-motion to determine positions and achieve goals Roth et al. [2020]. A thorough understanding of spatial navigation is essential for improving destination efficiency and reducing anxiety in unfamiliar settings. Assessing spatial navigation is crucial for evaluating cognitive health, especially in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases Roth et al. [2020]. Spatial navigation tasks can detect structural changes in subcortical brain areas related to cognitive decline risk Chen et al. [2023b]. Different neurodegenerative conditions see impaired spatial navigation as a symptom at the onset; thus, it can be a valuable predictor of dementia in subjective cognitive decline patients or those with mild cognitive impairment Tangen et al. [2022]. These deficits worsen with aging, highlighting the urgent need for efficient assessment tools such as the Virtual Environments Navigation Assessment (VIENNA), which evaluates spatial navigation abilities Rekers and Finke [2024a]. This research is critical for detecting cognitive impairments and guiding clinical decisions.