Developing a puzzle using the mixed reality technology for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

As the number of elderly people around the world increases, urgent need to understand and find ways to cope with their problems arises. In particular, older people with mild cognitive impairment need a way to prevent or reduce it because of the high probability of dementia. Methods/Statistical analysis: The puzzle program is well-suited as a cognitive learning tool that is interesting and motivating to the user. Several studies have shown that puzzle activities have a positive effect on mental-health promotion and cognitive-function improvement in the elderly. There is growing empirical evidence that virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) are valuable for education, training, entertainment and medical rehabilitation because of their capacity to represent real-life events and situations. In this study, an attempt was made to combine the puzzle program with the mixing technique to maximize brain activity in the elderly. Findings: Several studies have demonstrated the cognitive enhancement effect of the puzzle and the brain activation effect of the 3D image. Based on this, the responses of the elderly in terms of usability, ease of learning, and interest when using MR mixed puzzles were investigated. It received higher score than the conventional 2D puzzle in terms of ease of learning and interest, and it was rated higher than puzzles made only with VR technology in terms of ease of use. Overall, the combination of puzzles and the MR technology for use as a cognitive function improvement tool for the elderly seems to have a positive effect. Improvements/Applications: If the puzzle varies in shape and difficulty, the boredom of running the same puzzle multiple times can be reduced for users. If this kind of puzzle is operated in the elderly welfare field, elderly-related institutions, hospitals or the family, the elderly can use it easily and voluntarily, thereby preventing mild cognitive impairment.