Project description
Immersive virtual reality to detect early cognitive decline
Approximately 20 % of Europeans are aged 65 or older, with 10 % experiencing difficulties in daily tasks due to cognitive ageing. Detecting cognitive decline early is crucial. However, older adults’ limited IT proficiency and compromised motor skills impede the use of computerised cognitive assessment tools. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the GERIATRIC project will use immersive virtual reality (IVR) for cognitive assessment in older adults. It will integrate Eye-Tracking (ET) and Finger-Tracking (FT) technologies to enhance usability and accessibility, while also exploring the validity of IVR cognitive tests. Additionally, it will develop a cognitive training tool and promote the use of IVR in both research and clinical applications.
Objective
One out of 5 Europeans is ≥ 65 years old, and 10% of Europeans struggle with performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living like housekeeping, shopping, and managing finances. This everyday struggle is predominantly attributed to cognitive ageing. Early detection of cognitive decline is imperative to slow down the exacerbation of cognitive ageing, yet existing tools fall short in the timely identification of such decline. The proposed project attempts to bridge this gap, utilizing Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) to create an innovative cognitive assessment system, simulating real-life conditions and providing an accurate representation of individuals' everyday functionality. The GERIATRIC project recognizes the barriers posed by the elderly population's often limited IT proficiency and compromised motor skills, which have historically obstructed the effective use of computerized cognitive assessment tools. GERIATRIC seeks to address these challenges by incorporating Eye-Tracking (ET) and Finger-Tracking (FT) technologies, thereby augmenting the usability, accessibility, and clinical relevance of IVR cognitive assessments. Hand-based (FT) and gaze-based (ET) interactions will be developed, evaluated, and compared in terms of usability, performance, and throughput. The validity and clinical utility of the IVR cognitive test will be examined, especially for the detection of cognitive decline in older adults. In collaboration with industry partners, the final stage transforms the IVR cognitive assessment into a potent cognitive training tool. To foster innovation in the field, GERIATRIC will promote the democratization of IVR for broader research and clinical applications by offering open-source access to IVR software, code, and assets to the broader scientific community. Through GERIATRIC, I will cultivate a diverse skill set and a robust track record, which may assist me in acquiring a tenure position at a prestigious European research institution or university.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
10 561 ATHINA
Greece
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.