An augmented reality approach for ADL support in Alzheimer’s disease: a crossover trial

Abstract

Background Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type can impair the performance of activities of daily living and therefore severely impact independent living. Assistive technologies can support such patients when carrying out daily tasks. Methods In this crossover study, we used an augmented reality approach using a Microsoft HoloLens to support patients in a tea making task. During task execution, subjects received three-dimensional dynamic holograms of the sub-steps necessary to complete the task. Ten patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease were tested and post-hoc semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess usability. Results The patients committed errors when executing the task with and without holographic assistance. No differences in success rates or error frequencies were observed (p success = .250, p errors = .887). Patients revealed prolonged trial durations (Glass’ Δ = 1.475) when wearing the augmented reality headset. A model of multiple linear regression (R 2 adjusted = .958) revealed an influence of the errors in the control condition and a moderation by the errors in the experimental condition. Patients with more severe problems in the natural performance of the task showed lower increases in trial durations when wearing the HoloLens. Conclusions We assume that the application was a secondary task requesting its own resources and impairing performance on its own. The regression suggests however that the given assistance was compensating these additional costs in patients with stronger needs of support. Interview data on usability revealed an overall positive feedback towards the application although the hardware was considered uncomfortable and too large. We conclude that the approach proved feasible and the acceptability was overall high, although advances in hardware and the patient-interface are necessary to assist patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in daily activities. Trial registration DRKS, DRKS00014870. Registered 11 June 2018 - Retrospectively registered, TrialID = DRKS00014870 .

Can Use of Digital Technologies by People with Dementia Improve Self-Management and Social Participation? A Systematic Review of Effect Studies

“…Six records were excluded because they did not report any outcomes that were directly related to social participation or self-management [ 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. Four records reported on BADLs only [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. Three studies were excluded because although participants with some form of cognitive impairment were included in the study, the outcomes were not reported separately from outcomes from those who were either cognitively healthy or had other pathologies [ 71 , 72 , 73 ].…”

Perspectives of Patients and Professionals on Information and Education After Myocardial Infarction With Insight for Mixed Reality Implementation: Cross-Sectional Interview Study

“…Along with an aging population, potential users will be between 60 and 80 years old, which is accompanied by different forms of disabilities (ie, impaired vision, hearing, or cognitive function) that can complicate use. However, mixed reality seems to be an accessible and feasible tool in the elderly, as highlighted by Rohrbach et al [ 30 ] in patients with Alzheimer disease. Since patients with Alzheimer disease comprise a complex patient group, it is feasible to assume that patients with no cognitive impairments might also benefit from mixed reality apps.…”

A Novel IoT Based Positioning and Shadowing System for Dementia Training

“…The participants in the ARGroup outperformed those in the NoARGroup in memorizing objects and their positions [ 17 ]. Rohrbach et al used AR to provide activities of daily living support for patients with AD [ 18 ]. In their crossover study, a head-mounted Microsoft HoloLens was used to verify the feasibility and usability of AR that supported patients with AD in tea brewing activities.…”

“…The surmised reason was that the AR application only provided seven-step prompts and lacked more detail, which confused the patients. Therefore, the provision of more detailed content is crucial to improving the completion rate of patients [ 18 ].…”