Design of a personalized cognitive trainer (student paper)

ABSTRACT

Recent research in cognitive science and aging has shown that 1. Cognitive decline happens much later than previously thought, 2. Cognitive decline can be slowed, and even reversed through appropriate training and mental exercises. These recent findings raise the need for new healthy lifestyle recommendations and for new technological tools in line with these findings. More importantly, this research raises many questions relating to cognitive aging. In this paper, we describe an ongoing project in which we are developing a personalized computer-based cognitive trainer, called Brain-Aerobics. Brain-Aerobics is being designed with a dual purpose of 1. taking advantage of the cognitive research to train its users and help them maintain or raise their cognitive fitness, 2. serve as a tool for further research by collecting extensive data about the use and effectiveness of mental exercises. A unique aspect of Brain Aerobics is that it takes advantage of the wealth of personal information that can be found on a personal computer. Information is extracted and used to support and enhance the memory, spatial visualization, and other games used for training. This paper describes the first version of Brain-Aerobics with a focus on personalization.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.0 General
          Subjects: Cognitive simulation

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.1 Systems and Information Theory
          Subjects: Information theory
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Theory