Cognitive Training System for Dementia Prevention Using Memory Game Based on the Concept of Human-Agent Interaction

Abstract

This paper describes a cognitive training system to help older adults to stimulate and maintain their cognitive functions based on a memory game implemented on a tablet device. In this system, a software agent incorporated into the tablet device performs dialogic interactions with users based on the concept of human-agent interaction (HAI) to (i) reduce their psychological resistance to the system; (ii) maintain their interest in the game; and (iii) improve the motivation for users to play the game long term. The difficulty level of the game is adjusted through reinforcement learning algorithms depending on the proficiency of respective users. Several experiments and subjective evaluations by older adults were conducted to evaluate the basic characteristics of the system, and to investigate the impact of the system on cognitive function. The ultimate goal of the proposed system is to establish an environment in which users can continuously engage in dementia-prevention activities without getting bored.

A Review on Serious Games for Dementia Care in Ageing Societies

“…The Fitt&Hick game and Memory game [35], [36] are both based on the observation of pictures. Their specific gaming tasks include identifying colors of pictures, learning the content or positions of pictures.…”

Verification of Game-Based Psychotherapy Intervention Model for Elderly with Memory Disorder Using Expert Review Approach

“…Patients -Attitude Att [48,32] Patients -Emotion Emo [48,49] Patients -Skill Skl [32,50] Patients -Belief Blf [51,52] Caregiver -Support Spp [50,53,54] Games -Attractive GAtt [55] Games -Fun GFn [19,[56][57][58] Games -Complexity GCx [58][59][60][61] Games -Reminiscence GRem [32, 58, 61]…”

A Study on Intelligent Dialogue Agent for Older Adults’ Preventive Care – Towards Development of a Comprehensive Preventive Care System –

“…Our research group has developed the Mechanism for Cognitive Training (originally proposed as the cognitive training system) that encourages older adults to engage in cognitive training to help prevent dementia [19]. As shown in Figure 2, the MCT provides older adults with a brain-twister-based memory game as cognitive training, provided in such a way that they can regularly perform this memory game through repetitive interactions with a software agent on a tablet device.…”

“…Our research group has shown that the STF is effective in some ways, particularly in providing increased convenience and familiarity to older adults. Our research group is also developing a cognitive training system based on a memory game on a tablet device [19] and a Fall Prevention System for regular preventive care exercise [3] to prevent dementia and fall, one of the main factors leading to a need for nursing care. Additionally, our research group is conducting a study to estimate the behavior of older adults who live alone from data gathered by supervision sensors installed in their homes [20].…”