Dr Unai Diaz-Orueta

    Psychology, ALL Institute, Human Health Institute

    Lecturer

    John Hume Building
    3rd
    3.11
    (01) 708 3302

    Biography

    Unai Díaz-Orueta, Ph.D., received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Deusto, Spain in 2006. Since 2000, he has worked as a clinical psychologist in a variety of settings, including the Crownsville Hospital Center, Crownsville, Maryland (EE.UU., 2000-2001), Hospital Psiquiátrico de Bermeo, (Spain, 2001-2002), La Loma Geriatric Residence, Castro-Urdiales (Spain, 2003-2005), and Zutitu Ltd (2005-2006). With a grant from the Oriol-Urquijo University-Foundation, he developed his doctoral dissertation, “Effects of psychological intervention in cognitive decline of residentialized elderly people,” published by UMI Dissertation Publishing, Ann Arbor, MI (USA). Additionally, his experience includes teaching courses and workshops in maintenance of cognitive functions, wellbeing, and laugh-therapy for elderly people at IPACE Ltd, Vitoria (Spain, 2007-2008). From 2008-2012, he worked as a research psychologist at Fundación INGEMA, in several projects related to aging and physical disability. From May 2012 to December 2015, he worked first as a researcher at the R+D+i Department and then as R+D+I Director of Nesplora S.L. (Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain), and since May 2014, as a Collaborator Professor for the Neuropsychology and Education Master’s Degree of the UNIR -International University of La Rioja (Spain). From February 2016 to January 2018, he worked as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellow (Research Fellow) in Dublin City University (Dublin, Ireland) on the EC funded project “E-SPACE: European Standardised Process Approach to Cognitive Evaluation in older people”. From February 2018, he works as an Assistant Professor in Psychology in Maynooth University, Ireland.

    Research Interests

    1. Neuropsychological assessment using a process-based approach.
    2. Virtual and augmented reality applications in (neuro)psychological assessment and intervention.
    3. Cognitive rehabilitation procedures (both traditional and technology/game-based approaches).
    4. Serious games for health.
    Warning: I am NOT currently in the position to supervise new PhD students until January 2024. For those willing to develop a Masters' or a PhD in an area related to the research interests stated above, please contact directly to me, keeping in mind my limited availability until the date stated above.

    Research Projects

    Title Role Description Start date End date Amount
    CAPTAIN - Coach Assistant via Projected and Tangible Interface Principal Investigator in Maynooth University - Ethical manager of the project Older adults typically prefer living at their homes as long as possible. However, they often need to be institutionalized due to the age related problems. Homecare can benefit today from a range of existing technologies including smartphones, sensors, etc., however, their effectiveness is limited by the sense of fear and uncomfortableness that many older adults feel. Most current technologies, in fact, are often not designed for older adults, least of all for users with memory impairments. The derivative limitations become a major barrier, severely limiting use of technological assistance in a home environment. CAPTAIN proposes a “transparent” technology designed to turn the home of the older adult into a ubiquitous assistant specifically designed to compensate for their physical and memory impairments during their daily living. CAPTAIN aims to turn the homes of older adults into a gentle coach, providing smart assistant whenever and wherever it is needed, based on their activity. To do so, CAPTAIN uses micro-projects and projected augmented reality to turn all surfaces into tangible interfaces for personalized information and reminders. 01/12/2017 30/11/2020
    E-SPACE: European Standardised Process Approach to Cognitive Evaluation in older people Postdoctoral Fellow Cognitive difficulties represent the hallmark of many neurodegenerative conditions and, in relation to dementia, cognitive evaluation represents one major pillar of current methods of detection and diagnosis. There are, however, many difficulties with existing cognitive tests and this project has been designed to address this issue. The need for and the potential benefits of early and accurate detection of MCI and dementia is well-recognised. Early and accurate detection is, however, complex and, at present, is subject to high diagnostic error rates. With the expected advent of new effective drug treatments for different neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease), early and accurate diagnosis will be even more vital in the future. Using the principles of what is known as the Process based Approach, the goal of this project is to identify and develop a battery of cognitive tests, both in traditional paper-and-pencil form and, when clinically appropriate, in a computerized version, with the aim of enabling a wide range of clinicians improve early and accurate diagnosis. Patients, families and society will benefit from earlier detection, earlier intervention, and reduced healthcare costs, as the improvement in the accuracy of the diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions will subsequently impact in planning appropriate early interventions and saving millions of Euros associated to both formal and informal care of older people with dementia. 01/02/2016

    Book

    Year Publication
    2010 Matellanes, B., Diaz-Orueta, U., & Montero, J.M. (2010) El proceso de envejecer: una perspectiva integradora: evaluación e intervención biopsicosocial. Bilbao, Spain: Deusto Publicaciones. [Link]
    2010 Diaz-Orueta, U., Matellanes, B., & Montero, J.M. (2010) Gimnasia de la Memoria: un programa de estimulación cognitiva para personas mayores basado en objetivos. Bilbao, Spain: Deusto Publicaciones. [Link]
    2007 Díaz-Orueta, U., Matellanes, B., & Montero, J.M. (2007) Effects of psychological intervention in cognitive decline of residentialized elderly people. Ann Harbor: UMI Dissertation Publishing.

    Book Chapter

    Year Publication
    2021 Bondopadhyay, U;Diaz-Orueta, U;Coogan, AN (2021) 'The Role of the Circadian System in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder' In: CIRCADIAN CLOCK IN BRAIN HEALTH AND DISEASE. CHAM : SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Parsons, T.D., Duffield, T.C., Mcmahan, T., & Diaz-Orueta, U. (2019) 'Virtual School Environments for Neuropsychological Assessment and Training: Learning in the Age of Emerging Technologies' In: Mind, Brain and Technology. Switzerland : Springer. [Link] [DOI]
    2019 Petsani, D., Konstantinidis, E., Diaz-Orueta, U., Hopper, L., & Bamidis, P.D. (2019) 'Extending Exergame-Based Physical Activity for Older Adults: The e-Coaching Approach for Increased Adherence' In: Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health. Switzerland : Springer.
    2017 Diaz-Orueta, U. (2017) 'Advances in Neuropsychological Assessment of Attention: From Initial Computerized Continuous Performance Tests to AULA' In: The Role of Technology in Clinical Neuropsychology. New York : Oxford University Press. [Link]
    2016 Diaz-Orueta, U. (2016) 'Serious Games and Gamified Tools for Psychological Intervention' In: Integrating Technology in Positive Psychology Practice. HERSEY, PA (USA) : IGI GLOBAL. [Link] [DOI]
    2015 Diaz-Orueta, U. (2015) 'Cognitive Fitness, Assessment, and Cognitive Rehabilitation of Older Population: From MMSE to Computerized and VR Based Tools' In: Optimizing Assistive Technologies for Aging Populations. HERSEY, PA (USA) : IGI GLOBAL. [Link] [DOI]
    2015 Navarro, A., Díaz-Orueta, U., Martín-Niño, L., & Elías, M. (2015) 'Art, Drawing Task Processes, and Identity Awareness: A Case Study on the Retro-Genesis Phenomenon as an Indicator of the Progress of Dementia' In: Psychosocial Studies of the Individual's Changing Perspectives in Alzheimer's Disease. HERSEY, PA (USA) : IGI GLOBAL. [Link] [DOI]
    2015 Diaz-Orueta, U. (2015) 'Programas para desarrollar la atención y mejorar el déficit de atención y la hiperactividad' In: Procesos y Programas de Neuropsicología Educativa. Madrid, Spain : Centro Nacional de Innovación e Investigación Educativa (CNIIE), Madrid, Spain. [Link]
    2014 Diaz-Orueta, U. and Lizarazu, B. and Climent, G. and Banterla, F. (2014) 'Virtual reality for neuropsychological assessment' In: Virtual, Augmented Reality and Serious Games for Healthcare 1. London : Springer. [Link] [DOI]
    2014 Nap, HH;Diaz-Orueta, U (2014) 'Rehabilitation Gaming' In: Gamification for Human Factors Integration: Social, Education, and Psychological Issues. HERSEY : IGI GLOBAL. [DOI]
    2013 Diaz-Orueta, U. & Urdaneta, E. (2013) 'Ethical Implications of Technologies That “Support” Ageing with Dementia at Home' In: European Data Protection: Coming of Age. Berlin, Germany : Springer. [Link] [DOI]
    2012 Nap, HH & Diaz-Orueta, U (2012) 'Rehabilitation Gaming' In: Serious Games for Healthcare: Applications and Implications. HERSEY, PA (USA) : IGI GLOBAL. [Link] [DOI]
    2011 Zimmermann, G., Alexandersson, J., Buiza, C., Urdaneta, E., Díaz-Orueta, U., Carrasco, E., Klima, M., & Pfalzgraf, A. (2011) 'Meeting the Needs of Diverse User Groups: Benefits and Costs of Pluggable User Interfaces in Designing for Older People and People with Cognitive Impairments' In: Intelligent Technologies for Bridging the Grey Digital Divide. HERSEY, PA (USA) : IGI GLOBAL. [Link] [DOI]

    Peer Reviewed Journal

    Year Publication
    2022 De Andrade Moral R.;Díaz-Orueta U.;Oltra-Cucarella J. (2022) 'Logistic Versus Linear Regression-Based Reliable Change Index: A Simulation Study With Implications for Clinical Studies With Different Sample Sizes'. Psychological Assessment, . [DOI]
    2022 Unai Diaz-Orueta, Bronagh M. Rogers, Alberto Blanco-Campal and Teresa Burke (2022) 'The challenge of neuropsychological assessment of visual/visuo-spatial memory: A critical, historical review, and lessons for the present and future'. Frontiers in Psychology, . [Link] https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.962025
    2021 Pellicer-Espinosa I.;Díaz-Orueta U. (2021) 'Cognitive Screening Instruments for Older Adults with Low Educational and Literacy Levels: A Systematic Review'. Journal of Applied Gerontology, . [DOI]
    2021 Onandia-Hinchado, I;Pardo-Palenzuela, N;Diaz-Orueta, U (2021) 'Cognitive characterization of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by domains: a systematic review'. Journal of Neural Transmission, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2021 Bondopadhyay, U;Diaz-Orueta, U;Coogan, AN (2021) 'A Systematic Review of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder'. Journal Of Attention Disorders, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 de la Fuente J.;Kauffman D.;Díaz-Orueta U. (2019) 'Editorial: Psychology, Technological Innovation, and Entrepreneurship'. Frontiers in Psychology, 10 . [DOI]
    2020 Diaz-Orueta, U (2020) 'Practical strategies in geriatric mental health: Cases and approaches'. Journal of Applied Gerontology, . [DOI]
    2020 Diaz-Orueta U;Blanco-Campal A;Lamar M;Libon DJ;Burke T; (2020) 'Marrying Past and Present Neuropsychology: Is the Future of the Process-Based Approach Technology-Based?'. Frontiers in Psychology, 11 . [DOI]
    2020 Diaz-Orueta, U;Hopper, L;Konstantinidis, E (2020) 'Shaping technologies for older adults with and without dementia: Reflections on ethics and preferences'. Health Informatics Journal, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Blanco-Campal, A;Diaz-Orueta, U;Navarro-Prados, AB;Burke, T;Libon, DJ;Lamar, M (2019) 'Features and psychometric properties of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Review and proposal of a process-based approach version (MoCA-PA)'. Applied Neuropsychology:Adult, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Onandia-Hinchado, I;Diaz-Orueta, U (2019) 'Health Related Quality of Life and Cognitive Decline in Older Populations: Preliminary Results From NeuroDemeNPsia Study'. Journal of Applied Gerontology, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Onandia-Hinchado I.;Diaz-Orueta U. (2019) 'Health related quality of life in individuals with cognitive decline and discrepancies between patients and their proxies'. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 85 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Zulueta, A;Diaz-Orueta, U;Crespo-Eguilaz, N;Torrano, F (2019) 'Virtual Reality-based Assessment and Rating Scales in ADHD Diagnosis'. Psicologia Educativa, 25 :13-22. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Konstantinidis EI;Petsani D;Conti G;Billis A;Conotter V;Chican G;Lorenzo TL;Rodríguez AR;Fraile SH;Beristain A;Epelde G;Diaz-Orueta U;Hopper L;Kostin M;Almeida R;Losada R;Kniejski W;Nollo G;Tessarolo F;Bamidis PD; (2019) 'A New Approach for Ageing at Home: The CAPTAIN System'. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 264 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2018 García-Soler Á;Facal D;Díaz-Orueta U;Pigini L;Blasi L;Qiu R; (2018) 'Inclusion of service robots in the daily lives of frail older users: A step-by-step definition procedure on users' requirements'. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 74 . [DOI]
    2018 de la Fuente J.;Kauffman D.;Díaz-Orueta U.;Kauffman Y. (2018) 'Adapting the Research Development and Innovation (RD & I) value chain in psychology to educational psychology area'. Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (AUG). [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2018 Díaz-Orueta U.;Blanco-Campal A.;Burke T. (2018) 'Rapid review of cognitive screening instruments in MCI: Proposal for a process-based approach modification of overlapping tasks in select widely used instruments'. International Psychogeriatrics, 30 (5):663-672. [DOI]
    2017 Navarro-Prados AB;Serrate-Gonzalez S;Muñoz-Rodríguez JM;Díaz-Orueta U; (2017) 'Relationship Between Personality Traits, Generativity, and Life Satisfaction in Individuals Attending University Programs for Seniors'. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, . [DOI]
    2017 Diaz-Orueta U;Blanco-Campal A;Burke T; (2017) '[Process-based approach neuropsychological assessment: review of the evidence and proposal for improvement of dementia screening tools]'. Revista de Neurologia, 64 (11).
    2016 Iriarte Y;Diaz-Orueta U;Cueto E;Irazustabarrena P;Banterla F;Climent G; (2016) 'AULA-Advanced Virtual Reality Tool for the Assessment of Attention: Normative Study in Spain'. Journal Of Attention Disorders, 20 (6). [DOI]
    2016 Diaz-Orueta U;Fernandez-Fernandez MA;Morillo-Rojas MD;Climent G; (2016) '[Efficacy of lisdexamphetamine to improve the behavioural and cognitive symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: treatment monitored by means of the AULA Nesplora virtual reality test]'. Revista de Neurologia, 63 (1).
    2016 Diaz-Orueta U;Climent G;Cardas-Ibanez J;Alonso L;Olmo-Osa J;Tirapu-Ustarroz J; (2016) '[Memory assessment by means of virtual reality: its present and future]'. Revista de Neurologia, 62 (2).
    2015 Nap, H.H. and Diaz-Orueta, U. and González, M.F. and Lozar-Manfreda, K. and Facal, D. and Dolničar, V. and Oyarzun, D. and Ranga, M.-M. and de Schutter, B. (2015) 'Older people's perceptions and experiences of a digital learning game'. 13 (3):322-331. [Link] [DOI]
    2014 Díaz-Orueta, U., Banterla, F. and Climent, G. (2014) 'Isla Calma: Virtual reality for pain and anxiety distraction when coping with dental fear [Isla Calma: Realidad virtual para la distracción del dolor y la ansiedad en el afrontamiento del miedo al dentista]'. Ansiedad y Estres, 20 (2-3):127-141. [Link]
    2014 Diaz-Orueta, U. and Etxaniz, A. and Gonzalez, M.F. and Buiza, C. and Urdaneta, E. and Yanguas, J. (2014) 'Role of cognitive and functional performance in the interactions between elderly people with cognitive decline and an avatar on TV'. 13 (1):89-97. [Link] [DOI]
    2014 Díaz-Orueta U;Garcia-López C;Crespo-Eguílaz N;Sánchez-Carpintero R;Climent G;Narbona J; (2014) 'AULA virtual reality test as an attention measure: convergent validity with Conners' Continuous Performance Test'. Child Neuropsychology : A Journal On Normal And Abnormal Development In Childhood And Adolescence, 20 (3). [DOI]
    2014 Bombín-González I;Cifuentes-Rodríguez A;Climent-Martínez G;Luna-Lario P;Cardas-Ibáñez J;Tirapu-Ustárroz J;Díaz-Orueta U; (2014) '[Ecological validity and multitasking environments in the evaluation of the executive functions]'. Revista de Neurologia, 59 (2).
    2014 Climent-Martínez G;Luna-Lario P;Bombín-González I;Cifuentes-Rodríguez A;Tirapu-Ustárroz J;Díaz-Orueta U; (2014) '[Neuropsychological evaluation of the executive functions by means of virtual reality]'. Revista de Neurologia, 58 (10).
    2013 Morales B;Diaz-Orueta U;García-Soler Á;Pecyna K;Ossmann R;Nussbaum G;Veigl C;Weiss C;Acedo J;Soria-Frisch A; (2013) 'AsTeRICS: a new flexible solution for people with motor disabilities in upper limbs and its implication for rehabilitation procedures'. Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology, 8 (6). [DOI]
    2013 Epelde, G., Valencia, X. and Carrasco, E. and Posada, J. and Abascal, J. and Diaz-Orueta, U. and Zinnikus, I. and Husodo-Schulz, C. (2013) 'Providing universally accessible interactive services through TV sets: Implementation and validation with elderly users'. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 67 (2):497-528. [Link] [DOI]
    2012 Diaz-Orueta U;Alvarado S;Gutiérrez D;Climent G;Banterla F; (2012) 'Isla Calma, a Novel Virtual Reality Environment for Pain and Anxiety Distraction: Report on Usability, Acceptability, and Subjective Experience'. Games For Health Journal, 1 (5). [DOI]
    2012 Diaz-Orueta U;Facal D;Nap HH;Ranga MM; (2012) 'What Is the Key for Older People to Show Interest in Playing Digital Learning Games? Initial Qualitative Findings from the LEAGE Project on a Multicultural European Sample'. Games For Health Journal, 1 (2). [DOI]
    2011 Buiza C;Navarro A;Díaz-Orueta U;González MF;Alaba J;Arriola E;Hernández C;Zulaica A;Yanguas JJ; (2011) '[Short evaluation of cognitive state in advanced stages of dementia: preliminary results of the Spanish validation of the Severe Mini-Mental State Examination]'. Revista Espanola de Geriatria y Gerontologia, 46 (3). [DOI]
    2010 Díaz-Orueta U;Buiza-Bueno C;Yanguas-Lezaun J; (2010) '[Cognitive reserve: evidence, limitations and future research lines]'. Revista Espanola de Geriatria y Gerontologia, 45 (3). [DOI]

    Other Journal

    Year Publication
    2016 Krch, D., Diaz-Orueta, U., Santana, E., & Vasquez, E. (2016) 'Rehabilitación de la Memoria: Historia, Factores Implicados y Enfoques de Tratamiento' Geology, 16 (1) :91-120.
    2015 Moreno-García, I., Espinosa-Oneto, N., Camacho-Vara del Rey, C., & Díaz-Orueta, U. (2015) 'Evaluation of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by means of Virtual Reality. Comparison with Behavioural Scales [Article in Spanish]' Proceedings of the …, 287 :33-38.
    2013 Zulueta, A., Iriarte, Y., Díaz-Orueta, U., & Climent, G. (2013) 'AULA Nesplora: Progress in assessing attention processes - a convergent validity study with the Caras perception of differences test. [Article in Spanish]' From Megaliths to Metals. Essays in Honour of George Eogan, 4 :3-10.
    2012 Díaz-Orueta, U.., Iriarte, Y., Climent, G., & Banterla, F. (2012) 'AULA: an ecological virtual reality test with distractors for evaluating attention in children and adolescents' Journal of Virtual Reality, 5 (2) :1-20.
    2011 Díaz-Orueta, U., Facal-Mayo, D., Buiza-Bueno, C., et al. (2011) 'Generalization of Results from Cognitive Stimulation Programs to Real Life: Is it Possible?' Quaternary Science Reviews, 2 (4) :283-306.
    2010 Zinnikus, I., Fischer, K., Alexandersson, J. & Díaz, U. (2010) 'Bringing the elderly into the mainstream project of e-society: the VITAL project' PloS one, 7 :118-135.

    Conference Publication

    Year Publication
    2020 Petsani D.;Konstantinidis E.;Carroll J.;Lombard-Vance R.;Hopper L.;Nikolaidou M.;Diaz-Orueta U.;Kniejski W.;Bamidis P.D. (2020) Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics) Creating a Feedback Loop Between Persona Development and User Research Towards Better Technology Acceptance [DOI]
    2019 Petsani D.;Kostantinidis E.;Diaz-Orueta U.;Hopper L.;Bamidis P. (2019) Communications in Computer and Information Science Extending Exergame-Based Physical Activity for Older Adults: The e-Coaching Approach for Increased Adherence [DOI]
    2019 Konstantinidis E.;Petsani D.;Conti G.;Billis A.;Conotter V.;Chican G.;Lorenzo T.;Rodríguez A.;Fraile S.;Beristain A.;Epelde G.;Diaz-Orueta U.;Hopper L.;Kostin M.;Almeida R.;Losada R.;Kniejski W.;Nollo G.;Tessarolo F.;Bamidis P. (2019) Studies in Health Technology and Informatics A new approach for ageing at home: The captain system [DOI]
    2012 García-Soler, A. and Diaz-Orueta, U. and Ossmann, R. and Nussbaum, G. and Veigl, C. and Weiss, C. and Pecyna, K. (2012) International Conference on Computers for Handicapped Persons Addressing accessibility challenges of people with motor disabilities by means of AsTeRICS: A step by step definition of technical requirements [Link] [DOI]
    Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2023) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

    Languages

    Language Reading Writing Speaking
    English Fluent Fluent Fluent
    Italian Functional Basic Functional
    Basque Fluent Fluent Fluent
    Spanish Fluent Fluent Fluent

    Teaching Interests

    Neuropsychology.
    Process-based approach to neuropsychological assessment.
    New developments and technologies for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation.

    How to perform literature reviews: from narrative to systematic reviews.