| Project Detail |
Immersive virtual reality to detect early cognitive decline
Approximately 20 % of Europeans are aged 65 or older, with 10 % experiencing difficulties in daily tasks due to cognitive ageing. Detecting cognitive decline early is crucial. However, older adults’ limited IT proficiency and compromised motor skills impede the use of computerised cognitive assessment tools. Supported by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the GERIATRIC project will use immersive virtual reality (IVR) for cognitive assessment in older adults. It will integrate Eye-Tracking (ET) and Finger-Tracking (FT) technologies to enhance usability and accessibility, while also exploring the validity of IVR cognitive tests. Additionally, it will develop a cognitive training tool and promote the use of IVR in both research and clinical applications.
One out of 5 Europeans is = 65 years old, and 10% of Europeans struggle with performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living like housekeeping, shopping, and managing finances. This everyday struggle is predominantly attributed to cognitive ageing. Early detection of cognitive decline is imperative to slow down the exacerbation of cognitive ageing, yet existing tools fall short in the timely identification of such decline. The proposed project attempts to bridge this gap, utilizing Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) to create an innovative cognitive assessment system, simulating real-life conditions and providing an accurate representation of individuals everyday functionality. The GERIATRIC project recognizes the barriers posed by the elderly populations often limited IT proficiency and compromised motor skills, which have historically obstructed the effective use of computerized cognitive assessment tools. GERIATRIC seeks to address these challenges by incorporating Eye-Tracking (ET) and Finger-Tracking (FT) technologies, thereby augmenting the usability, accessibility, and clinical relevance of IVR cognitive assessments. Hand-based (FT) and gaze-based (ET) interactions will be developed, evaluated, and compared in terms of usability, performance, and throughput. The validity and clinical utility of the IVR cognitive test will be examined, especially for the detection of cognitive decline in older adults. In collaboration with industry partners, the final stage transforms the IVR cognitive assessment into a potent cognitive training tool. To foster innovation in the field, GERIATRIC will promote the democratization of IVR for broader research and clinical applications by offering open-source access to IVR software, code, and assets to the broader scientific community. Through GERIATRIC, I will cultivate a diverse skill set and a robust track record, which may assist me in acquiring a tenure position at a prestigious European research institution or university. |
