Mixed reality assistive technology to support independence at home of older adults with neurocognitive disorders: development and evaluation of utility and usability

Older adults may be subjected to neurocognitive disorders. One of the first cognitive domains to be affected is executive functions. Executive functions are defined as the capacity to plan and carry out complex goal-directed behavior. Impairment in executive functions can have an impact on the ability of the individual to continue to live at home independently. Assistive technology may alleviate these impairments. Mixed reality can offer theoretical advantages in this context. Mixed reality blends virtual elements into one's perception of the real world. Develop and evaluate the utility, usability and cognitive load of MATCH, a mixed reality assistive technology for cognition. MATCH has been developed to support executive function impairments while following the recommendations of human-computer interaction in mixed reality and assistive technology for cognition. An evaluation was carried out with 12 older adults without and with neurocognitive disorders. A quantitative analysis was conducted using performance and self-reported metrics. A deductive thematic content qualitative analysis was done based on spontaneous comments made by participants. MATCH could autonomously guide participants, providing necessary and sufficient assistance with only a low cognitive load. It did not have any negative impact. Themes emerged related to the positive and negative aspects of utility, usability and social significance. A number of potential avenues for further research were identified, including the possibility of exploring alternative methods of providing assistance based on the user's previous interactions with the system.