Augmented Reality: Sustaining Autonomous Way-Finding in the Community for Older Persons with Cognitive Impairment

Impairment of autonomous way-finding subsequent to a multitude of neurodegenerative and other diseases impedes independence of older persons and their everyday activities.

It was the goal to use augmented reality to aid autonomous way-finding in a community setting.

A spatial map and directional information were shown via head-up display to guide patients from the start zone on the hospital campus to a bakery in the nearby community.

Hospital campus and nearby community.

Patients with mild cognitive impairment (age 63 to 89).

A head-up display was used to help patients find their way.

Time needed to reach goal and number of assists needed.

With use of augmented reality device, patients preceded along the correct path in 113 out of 120 intersections. Intermittent reassurance was needed for most patients. Patients affirmed willingness to use such an augmented reality device in everyday life if needed or even pay for it.

Augmented reality guided navigation is a promising means to sustain autonomous way-finding as a prerequisite for autonomy of older persons in everyday activities. Thus, this study lays ground for a field trial in the community using assistive technology for older persons with cognitive impairment.