A predictive coding approach to psychedelic virtual-induced hallucinations and creative cognition in aging

Recent research has investigated the potential of psychedelic substances in treating various neurological and psychiatric disorders. In particular, there been a growth studies concerning intersection psychedelics, Virtual Reality (VR), Cognitive Flexibility (CF). Indeed, use immersive technology allows simulation perceptual cognitive effects without risks associated with them. CF is strongly creative cognition, complex mechanism involved thinking prefrontal cortex neural networks supporting executive functions, memory, attention, spontaneous modes thought. The Bayesian brain approach, which rooted predictive coding, emerged as promising framework for understanding hallucinations on functioning. Psychedelic may enhance creativity by inducing state CF, allowing wider range associations possibilities to be explored increasing openness experience. A decline abilities, including processing divergent thinking, observed during aging process. Mild Impairment (MCI) show poorer performance CF. present paper suggests that induced VR help optimize balance between top-down expectations bottom-up sensory information. Therefore, enhanced crucial process maintaining functions preventing pathological conditions.