scholarly journals MobileQuiz: A Serious Game for Enhancing the Physical and Cognitive Abilities of Older Adults

2014 ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Birn ◽  
Clemens Holzmann ◽  
Walter Stech
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Serious Game

scholarly journals Virtual reality video game improves high-fidelity memory in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter E. Wais ◽  
Melissa Arioli ◽  
Roger Anguera-Singla ◽  
Adam Gazzaley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Cognitive Intervention ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
High Fidelity

AbstractTherapeutic interventions have not yet been shown to demonstrate restorative effects for declining long-term memory (LTM) that affects many healthy older adults. We developed a virtual reality (VR) spatial wayfinding game (Labyrinth-VR) as a cognitive intervention with the hypothesis that it could improve detailed, high-fidelity LTM capability. Spatial navigation tasks have been used as a means to achieve environmental enrichment via exposure to and learning about novel and complex information. Engagement has been shown to enhance learning and has been linked to the vitality of the LTM system in the brain. In the current study, 48 older adults (mean age 68.7 ± 6.4 years) with average cognitive abilities for their age were randomly assigned to 12 h of computer game play over four weeks in either the Labyrinth-VR or placebo control game arms. Promptly before and after each participant’s treatment regimen, high-fidelity LTM outcome measures were tested to assess mnemonic discrimination and other memory measures. The results showed a post-treatment gain in high-fidelity LTM capability for the Labyrinth-VR arm, relative to placebo, which reached the levels attained by younger adults in another experiment. This novel finding demonstrates generalization of benefits from the VR wayfinding game to important, and untrained, LTM capabilities. These cognitive results are discussed in the light of relevant research for hippocampal-dependent memory functions.

scholarly journals Developing a Spatial-Skills-Focused Music Program for Older Adults With Changes in Cognition

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 291-292
Author(s):  
Jennie Dorris ◽  
Juleen Rodakowski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Music Notation ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Professional Musicians ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Music Program ◽  
Orientation Test

Abstract Older adults with cognitive changes need stimulating programming to maximize their cognitive abilities. One area to maximize includes spatial skills, its decline can lead to disorientation and wandering. Music has potential to maximize spatial skills: reading music’s notation is associated with enhanced spatial skills in children and professional musicians. It’s critical to understand the potential impact of a spatially focused music program for older adults with changing cognition; if successful, future music programs could support people staying orientated in their environments and living independently longer. We developed and assessed a six-week marimba program focused on reading music with 15 older adults ages 65-89 with changes in cognition. We compared their scores on the Orientation Test from the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills pre- and post-intervention and assessed if participants self-selected to read music notation. Participants scored an average Modified Mini Mental State Examination (3MSE) score of 81.3 (SD = 11.0). On average, participants’ scores on the Orientation Test moved from 13.4 (SD =1.9) to 14.1 (SD= 2.7), providing a cohen’s d effect size of 0.3. Over the six weeks, 11 out of the 15 participants selected to read music for at least one class, indicating a statistically significant change using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (Z = -3.16, p < 0.01), suggesting that older adults with cognitive changes may be able to learn to read music. This is important, as a spatially focused music program may maximize spatial skills that older adults need to successfully navigate their world safely and independently.

Using a Virtual Reality Serious Game to Assess the Performance of Older Adults with Frailty

2020 ◽  
pp. 127-139
Author(s):  
Ioannis Paliokas ◽  
Elias Kalamaras ◽  
Konstantinos Votis ◽  
Stefanos Doumpoulakis ◽  
Eftychia Lakka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Serious Game

scholarly journals Changing our thinking about changing their thinking in older adulthood

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 1405-1407
Author(s):  
Viviana M. Wuthrich
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
New Learning

It is well-established that as people age, deterioration in cognitive abilities including processing speed, memory, and cognitive flexibility occurs, although vast individual differences occur in the rate and consequences of this decline (Christensen, 2001). Anxiety and depression in late life are also associated with specific cognitive deficits in memory and executive functioning that may impact on new learning (Yochim et al., 2013). Therefore, it is possible that cognitive changes make it more difficult for older adults to learn how to change their thinking particularly in the context of psychological therapy.

scholarly journals Use of Music Therapy as an Audiological Rehabilitation Tool in the Elderly Population: A Mini-Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Sophie Grenier ◽  
Louise Lafontaine ◽  
Andréanne Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Impact

It is well known and documented that sensory perception decreases with age. In the elderly population, hearing loss and reduced vestibular function are among the most prevalently affected senses. Two important side effects of sensory deprivation are cognitive decline and decrease in social participation. Hearing loss, vestibular function impairment, and cognitive decline all lead to a decrease in social participation. Altogether, these problems have a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly. This is why a rehabilitation program covering all of these aspects would therefore be useful for clinicians. It is well known that long-term music training can lead to cortical plasticity. Behavioral improvements have been measured for cognitive abilities and sensory modalities (auditory, motor, tactile, and visual) in healthy young adults. Based on these findings, it is possible to wonder if this kind of multisensory training would be an interesting therapy to not only improve communication but also help with posture and balance, cognitive abilities, and social participation. The aim of this review is to assess and validate the impact of music therapy in the context of hearing rehabilitation in older adults. Musical therapy seems to have a positive impact on auditory perception, posture and balance, social integration, and cognition. While the benefits seem obvious, the evidence in the literature is scarce. However, there is no reason not to recommend the use of music therapy as an adjunct to audiological rehabilitation in the elderly when possible. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the extent of the benefits that music therapy could bring to older adults. More data are needed to confirm which hearing abilities can be improved based on the many characteristics of hearing loss. There is also a need to provide a clear protocol for clinicians on how this therapy should be administered to offer the greatest possible benefits.

scholarly journals Decision-making competence in younger and older adults: which cognitive abilities contribute to the application of decision rules?

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Rosi ◽  
Wändi Bruine de Bruin ◽  
Fabio Del Missier ◽  
Elena Cavallini ◽  
Riccardo Russo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Decision Rules

scholarly journals Efficacy of tablet-based applications for mental training in preserving cognitive abilities of older adults

ABOUTOPEN ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-30
Author(s):  
Marcello Maria Turconi ◽  
Filomena Vella ◽  
Francesco Mosetti
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Mental Training ◽  
Versus Group ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background and aims: Nonpathological, age-related cognitive decline is among the most feared consequences of aging. Evidence suggests that the continued use of mental abilities can slow down cognitive decline. We developed two tablet-based applications for the mental training (ElasticaMente) and social interaction/entertainment (iNonni) of older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate their effect on cognitive performance.Materials and methods: This was an exploratory study of 8 months duration. Sixty healthy residents of a senior community center aged ≥60 years were recruited and divided into three groups: participants in Groups 1 and 2 received a tablet with ElasticaMente and iNonni (Group 1, n = 20) or with iNonni only (Group 2, n = 20); participants in Group 3 (n = 20) did not receive any tablet. Participants in Groups 1 and 2 were instructed to use the applications three times a week (each session ~45 minutes). Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline (T0) and after 8 months (T1) using a battery of six validated tests.Results: In Group 1, cognitive test scores remained consistently stable from T0 to T1, suggesting maintenance of cognitive abilities. In contrast, in Groups 2 and 3, scores worsened from T0 to T1 across all tests. Comparison of the changes from T0 to T1 revealed statistical significance for Group 1 versus Group 3, but not for Group 1 versus Group 2 and Group 2 versus Group 3.Conclusion: The 8 months use of the applications ElasticaMente and iNonni was associated with a significant benefit in terms of preserved cognitive performance compared with no tablet-based activity. The potential contribution of ElasticaMente to the attenuation of cognitive decline should be further investigated.

Immersive Virtual Reality for Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Vero Vanden Abeele ◽  
Brenda Schraepen ◽  
Hanne Huygelier ◽  
Celine Gillebert ◽  
Kathrin Gerling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Design Recommendations ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Positive Experiences

Despite the proliferation of research on immersive virtual reality (IVR) technologies for older adults, comprehensive guidelines on designing immersive and engaging VR for older adults remain sparse. Therefore, we first compounded 67 guidelines based on published literature. Next, to empirically ground these design recommendations, we provided 37 older adults of diverse ages, education levels, and cognitive abilities with a first VR experience. Analyzing interviews with the 37 older adults via the Laddering method, we found that they generally reported positive experiences with their first VR exposure. With these deepened insights, we reflect on, nuance, and contextualize existing design guidelines, and formulate points to bear in mind when designing accessible and engaging VR experiences for older persons.

Effect of Brain Training Game on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2272-2275
Author(s):  
Hafsah Arshad ◽  
Kinza Anwar ◽  
Hafsah Gul Khattak ◽  
Imran Amjad ◽  
Yaser Majeed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Montreal Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Neurocognitive Functions

Aim: To determine effects of Kinect- based games on neurocognitive functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methodology: A quasi experimental pre-post trail was conducted on 18 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) older adults. The subjects were recruited to access cognitive impairment through purposive sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were elderly aged ≥ 50 years, both genders, able to read and write, whereas older adults with severe cognitive impairments, neurological disorders and un controlled comorbidities were excluded. Brain training was provided for 30 minutes with 5-minute warm-up time and 5-minute cool-down time for 6 weeks. Blind assessor measured readings at baseline and after six weeks. The outcome measures were Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Trail making test A & B and verbal fluency test (Semantic &Phonemic). The data was analyzed at baseline and after six weeks of intervention Results: Significant improvements were observed in post-test measurements (p <0.05) in MMSE, MoCA, TMT A & B and verbal fluency (Semantic &Phonemic) tests after 6 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Kinect-based virtual reality games are beneficial in improving cognitive abilities of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Keywords: Cognitive training, Mild cognitive impairment, Montreal Cognitive Assessment

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