Computer-based cognitive training in adults with Down's syndrome

Abstract

Adults with Down Syndrome show a clear genetic susceptibility to developing Alzheimer's Disease, the most common cause of dementia worldwide. In this paper we describe a set of computer-based exercises designed for cognitive training of adults with Down Syndrome. The aim is to provide tele-rehabilitation via a Web application that can be used at home to create an enriched environment. Each exercise is presented as a game with images, text and vocal communication. The user moves forward at increasing levels of difficulty according to previous positive percentage thresholds. Performance data is centrally collected and available to the tutor to check progress and better define the training. Several categories of exercises are needed to train different abilities: attention, memory, visual-spatial orientation, temporal orientation, pre-logical and logical operations, perception, visual analysis, language, and data relevance. At this time, two modules have been implemented for exercising attention and memory. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.