Dr Unai Diaz-Orueta
![](https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_2_3/public/assets/images/Unai%20-%20Psychology.jpg?itok=9thXg2l3)
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
- Neuropsychological assessment using a process-based approach.
- Virtual and augmented reality applications in (neuro)psychological assessment
and intervention.
- Cognitive rehabilitation procedures (both traditional
and technology/game-based approaches).
- Serious games for health.
Current research and potential research interests for future collaboration:
- Development of digital/ computerized/Virtual reality based solutions for increasing the accuracy and assessment of cognitive decline in older adults with low education and low literacy levels (including cross-cultural consideration and marginalised groups.
- Further validation of Virtual reality based neuropsychological assessment tools with both community based and clinical populations.
- Secondary data analysis of large clinical datasets for the identification of cognitive and behavioural markers of early cognitive decline.
Warning: I am NOT currently in the position to supervise new PhD students until March 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
Book
Year | Publication | |
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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] | |
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] | |
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 | |
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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 | |
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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] [Full-Text] | |
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 | 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] [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] | |
2020 | Diaz-Orueta, U (2020) 'Practical strategies in geriatric mental health: Cases and approaches'. Journal of Applied Gerontology, . [DOI] [Full-Text] | |
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] [Full-Text] | |
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 | 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] | |
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 | de la Fuente J.; Kauffman D.; Díaz-Orueta U. (2019) 'Editorial: Psychology, Technological Innovation, and Entrepreneurship'. Frontiers in Psychology, 10 . [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] | |
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] [Full-Text] | |
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 | 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] [Full-Text] | |
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). | |
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] [Full-Text] | |
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] | |
2024 | Climent, G.; Rebon-Ortiz, F.; Saura-Carrasco, M.; Diaz-Orueta, U. (2024) 'Suite test. A virtual reality based neuropsychological assessment tool for memory. A normative study on immediate, short-term and delayed memory tasks'. Applied Neuropsychology:Adult, . [Link] [DOI] | |
2023 | Fernandez, M.A.; Rebon-Ortiz, F.; Saura-Carrasco, M.; Climent, G.; Diaz-Orueta, U. (2023) 'Ice Cream: new virtual reality tool for the assessment of executive functions in children and adolescents: a normative study'. Frontiers in Psychology, 14 . [Link] [DOI] | |
2023 | Fernández-Martín, P.; Rodríguez-Herrera, R.; Cánovas, R.; Díaz-Orueta, U.; Martínez de Salazar, A.; Flores, P. (2023) 'Data-driven profiles of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using objective and ecological measures of attention, distractibility, and hyperactivity'. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, . [Link] [DOI] |
Other Journal
Conference Publication
Year | Publication | |
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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] | |
2020 | Petsani, D., Konstantinidis, E., Carroll, J., Lombard-Vance, R., Hopper, L., Nikolaidou, M., Diaz-Orueta, U., Knieski, W., Bamidis, P.D. (2020) HCII2020 . In: C. Stephanidis; A. Marcus; E. Rosenzweig; P.L.P. Rau; A. Moallem; M. Rauterberg eds. Creating a feedback loop between persona development and user research towards better technology acceptance https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60114-0_19 |
Other Publication
Year | Publication | |
---|---|---|
2023 | de la Fuente, J.; Fuentes, L.J.; Santos, F.H.; Pichardo, M.C.; Díaz-Orueta, U. (2023) Editorial: Executive functions, self-regulation and external-regulation: relations and new evidence. [Link] [DOI] | |
2022 | Diaz-Orueta, U.; Rogers, B.M.; Blanco-Campal, A.; Burke, T. (2022) The challenge of neuropsychological assessment of visual/visuo-spatial memory: A critical, historical review, and lessons for the present and future. [Link] [DOI] [Full-Text] | |
2017 | Diaz-Orueta, Unai; Blanco-Campal, Alberto; Burke, Teresa (2017) Process-based approach neuropsychological assessment: review of the evidence and proposal for improvement of dementia screening tools. | |
2009 | Buiza, Cristina; Feli Gonzalez, Mari; Facal, David; Martinez, Valeria; Diaz, Unai; Etxaniz, Aitziber; Urdaneta, Elena; Yanguas, Javier (2009) Efficacy of Cognitive Training Experiences in the Elderly: Can Technology Help?. | |
2009 | Diaz, Unai; Laskibar, Iker; Badiyani, Saurin; Raja, Hardik; Buiza, Cristina; Raja, Vinesh (2009) Preferences of Healthcare Staff in the Way of Interacting with Robots Depending on Their Prior Knowledge of ICTs: Findings from Iward Project. | |
2024 | Richardson, S.; Diaz-Orueta, U. (2024) In search of a neuropsychological profile for migraine: A scoping review. [Link] [DOI] |
Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2024) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.
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.
How to perform literature reviews: from narrative to systematic reviews.