Accessibility of Mixed Reality Technologies for people living with dementia. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Desai, Shital; Abendschein, Robin; Astell, Arlene J.
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 18(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.067574
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Mixed reality technologies (MRTs) are increasingly being explored for use in dementia but there is a lack of information about the accessibility of different types of MRT hardware and software to develop new applications. We examine the accessibility of four MRTs for people living with dementia. Method: Phase 1: Step‐by step analysis of all set‐up, initiation and game play actions was undertaken by one of the research team. Phase 2: Twenty‐two people with dementia (mean MoCA 14, aged 63 to 88 years), tested four MRT technologies and applications: Hololens: Young Conker; Xbox Kinect: Bowling; Osmo: Tangram and iPhone‐X: Stack‐AR. Interaction and game play actions were coded to identify accessibility promoting and inhibiting features from video recordings of their play sessions. Result: Accessibility of the four hardware and software pairings varied considerably, including the cognitive demands to successfully interact with both the technology and the games. People with dementia attempted to use all of the technologies and games and found them more or less accessible in line with the step‐by‐step analysis of the hardware/software pairings. Conclusion: The functionality in MRTs that can successfully prompt people with dementia through games could be extended to completing other daily activities, such as cooking. However, successful use requires careful consideration of the cognitive demands and other accessibility factors made by the hardware and software. The findings can support development of bespoke MRT applications for people living with dementia.