Cognitive Tasks of an Information System for Memory Training and Cognitive Enhancement Using Mobile Devices

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is in many cases the first sign of dementia and affects an increasing number of older adults worldwide. Early detection and intervention through cognitive assessment, training, and rehabilitation may assist MCI patients to maintain or even improve their cognitive function. In particular, it is necessary to regularly assess the cognitive status of people with MCI, due to the uncertain course of the impairment. Technological improvements in the field of mobile devices and the development of specialized applications offer the provision of new forms of cognitive training and new methods for the cognitive evaluation of healthy older adults or people with MCI. Through user-friendly and attractive applications, it is attempted to provide pleasant and easy-to-use cognitive interventions, which aim to engage the users. These specialized applications provide the possibility of long-term, remote, and autonomous monitoring of the cognitive status of users, and in combination with the sensors integrated into mobile devices, they offer clinicians new data streams and the possibility of timely and personalized intervention.This chapter presents an overview of existing mobile applications for cognitive evaluation, training, and enhancement. Also, the design of an information system that aims to support memory training and cognitive enhancement is described. This information system is targeting adults with or without cognitive impairment, who wish to maintain or enhance their cognitive status, utilizing the potential and prospects of mobile digital technology. Finally, the cognitive tasks that were selected to be implemented in this information system are presented.