Exploration and Novel Conceptual Framework for Digitalizing a Cognitive-Motor Test Integrating with an ICT-Rollator (Inter-Communication Technology Rollator) for Healthy Seniors and Seniors with Dementia.

Abstract

As age increases, there is a decline in cognitive function, processing speed, and psychomotor function and this cognitive decline can be reduced or maintained by physical activity. In the current study, we aimed to use technology for all the elderly with and without dementia by helping with memory, spatial orientation, and other cognitive and motor tasks. It can be achieved by testing with a digitalized cognitive-motor test before and after the digitalized physical activity Intervention with ICT-Rollator. Meanwhile, the psycho-motor test analyzes cognitive and motor function using technology for all seniors and those with dementia. The foundation of the development and digitization of the innovative psycho-motor test is based on the core of human behavior. Evidence shows enough studies aimed at incorporating technologies for physical activity into the lives of the elderly. Still, there is a lack of research for integrating technologies for testing cognitive and motor abilities at the same time in healthy elderly and seniors with dementia. The psycho-motor test, which measures motor and cognitive abilities memory, spatiotemporal orientation, mobility, coordination, shape, and color recognition, reading skills, navigation, reaction time, and attention was administered to 12 seniors with dementia and 12 healthy seniors of age 65+. Therefore, psycho-motor tests integrating with ICT-Rollator could help seniors and therapists monitor motor-cognitive functions. Further research focuses on the technology integrations to enhance motor-cognitive functions, physical outcomes, and psychological outcomes in the elderly and for individual chronic conditions according to their respective symptoms.