Assistive Technology for Promoting Physical and Mental Exercise to Delay Progression of Cognitive Degeneration in Patients with Dementia

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. A recent study by The Johns Hopkins University estimated that by 2050, one in 85 people worldwide will be living with Alzheimer's disease. According to the study, if intervention could delay the progression of the disease by a modest one year, there would be about 3.7 million fewer patients with the disease who require high level of care such as a nursing home in 2050. Research suggests that the combination of physical and mental exercise reduces the progression of cognitive degeneration. The paper focuses on creating an assistive technology system to promote both physical exercise and cognitive stimulation for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The system incorporates a portable mini stationary bike and an interactive visual multiple choice question game. Physical exercise is provided by the bike while cognitive stimulation is provided by the game that targets areas such as memory, judgment, problem solving, recollection, and matching, to impede dementia. Research has shown that certain multi-sensory stimulants such as fiber optic lights and selective colors can be used to relax and control agitation of patients with dementia. By incorporating these stimulants into the design, we have created a safe and fun way for patients with dementia to complete physical and mental exercise.