A Serious Games platform for early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairments

Abstract

Smart Aging, a Serious games (SGs) platform in a 3D virtual environment aimed at the early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairments (MCI) in persons ageing between 50 and 80. The navigation in a 3D environment (loft) that simulates in a reduced space the basic elements of interaction of home living, associated with the game approach results in a powerful screening tool, more friendly and motivating with respect to the traditional paper&pencil tests. The Smart Aging platform asks people to perform tasks related to daily activities, closer to real life than traditional paper&pencil tests, and, in doing so, it is able to evaluate different cognitive functions. The platform has been realized through a strong collaboration between game developers, neurologists and neuropsycho-logists. A scientific validation phase is ongoing on a sample of 1000 users to provide evidence of the efficacy and usefulness of the Smart Aging system.