Innovating Memory Care: Strategy-Based Digital Rehabilitation Tools for the Aging Population [Seed Funding]
This study aims to address memory decline in older adults by exploring the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) for memory strategy training, targeting improvements in everyday functioning. By combining expertise in cognitive and developmental psychology, the project seeks to develop and evaluate innovative VR tools for memory enhancement, offering promising avenues for cognitive training in healthy and pathological aging.
Memory decline in older age presents challenges to autonomy well-being, with traditional training methods often inadequate. Dr. Alexandra Hering and Dr. Mercedes Almela explore Virtual Reality (VR) technology to teach memory strategies and improve memory transfer for older adults. By uniting cognitive psychology and developmental psychology expertise, this project offers innovative solutions to memory enhancement in older age.
Current memory training tools involve repetitive exercises on digital platforms, lacking real-world effectiveness. The present study’s approach aims to leverage immersive VR environments, potentially enhancing memory training outcomes by closely mimicking real-life situations. The collaboration seeks to enhance existing VR tools and conduct a pilot study to assess their usability, functionality, and effectiveness in improving everyday memory among older adults aged 65-80 years.
Team composition
- Dr. Alexandra Hering’s (DP) research interest lies in lifespan psychology, goal-directed behavior and memory for intentions as well as EEG. In her research, she investigates cognitive interventions for working memory, prospective memory and problem solving in older adults. Furthermore, she is interested in factors that could explain why some people benefit more from cognitive interventions than others.
- Dr. Mercedes Almela’s (CNP) research is centered around the cognitive functioning of elderly individuals. This includes exploring the mechanisms underlying cognitive aging and identifying factors contributing to maintaining cognitive health. She also works on developing internet interventions to enhance resilience and prevent mental health issues in older adults.
Cross-cutting themes
The Herbert Simon Research Institute for Health, Well-being, and Adaptiveness is a research center devoted to carrying out excellent, state of the art research in order to contribute to healthy and resilient people. We have selected three themes, which involve the collaboration between various Departments and address actual themes in need of both fundamental and applied research.