An integrated intervention of computerized cognitive training and physical exercise in virtual reality for people with Alzheimer’s disease: The jDome study protocol

Autori:

Elena Gambella, Arianna Margaritini, Marco Benadduci, Lorena Rossi, Paola D'Ascoli, Giovanni R. Riccardi, Sara Pasquini, Patrizia Civerchia, Giuseppe Pelliccioni, Roberta Bevilacqua, Elvira Maranesi

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by cognitive deficits, loss of daily functions, and mental and behavioral disorders, which cause stress and negatively affect the quality of life. Studies in the field suggest that combining cognitive training with physical activity can reduce the risk of developing the disease and, once neurodegeneration has begun, it slows its progress. In particular, virtual reality and augmented reality administer cognitive stimulation while providing a link to autobiographical memory through reminiscence, enabling the improvement of the person’s quality of life. The present protocol aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive and physical treatments, integrated with the addition of virtual reality and reminiscence elements, using the Brainer software, in which people will find cognitive training, and the jDome® BikeAround™ system, which will allow participants to pedal along a personalized path projected on a schematic, using an exercise bike connected to the system.