Application of virtual-reality game to assess cognitive deterioration in older people with neurocognitive disorders (ref: SF24/HLS/SWECW/LAI)

The burden of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs, formerly, ‘dementia’) has become a worldwide public health, medical and social concern. NCDs represent a particular burden to healthcare and welfare services given the aging population in developed societies. However, all interventions that are designed to prevent the occurrence and deterioration of NCDs rely on accurate and efficient detection of early signs of cognitive deterioration. We are having a lot of tools in dementia care, but the absence of quick and user-friendly screening tools is a critical hurdle in developing successful prevention programs because early detection is essential for maximizing the potential benefits of any interventions designed to boost cognitive reserve and/or slow down the underlying neurodegenerative processes. Timely detection of the early signs of NCDs also facilitates access to advice and social support and allows patients and family members time to prepare for the future.

The proposed research seeks to meet this urgent need. We propose to evaluate the validity of an easily implementable, neuro-biologically relevant, immersive gamified computer game – the Virtual Reality Water-maze Test (VRWMT). The assessment game is to be implemented as a VR-based self-pacing test of hippocampus-dependent spatial working memory. Its original development for rodents was instrumental in demonstrating the importance of the hippocampus to allocentric spatial learning. VRWMT designed to collect data continuously, allowing for the detection of subtle changes in cognitive function over time that might be missed in periodic standardized assessments.

The proposed longitudinal study, with duration of 18 months, also permitted us to determine the degree of concordance between the VRWMT performance and general cognitive decline as indexed by the cognitive function screening by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the physical function assessment by Disability Assessment for dementia (DAD). MoCA is a routine and extensively validated instrument for screening neurocognitive decline. The composite MoCA score, nonetheless, can capture declines across multiple cognitive domains contributing to individual variation in VRWMT performance within the older population. DAD is the quantitative measure of the functional abilities in activities of daily living (ADL) in individuals with cognitive impairments such as NCDs and to help delineate areas of cognitive deficits which may impair performance in ADL. Basic and instrumental activities of daily living are examined in relation to executive skills to permit identification of the problematic areas.

The proposed combination of this gamified test and conventional standardized assessment is a pioneer and unique for their direct validity testing and construct comparison. Combining gamified cognitive tests with conventional standardized assessments for older people with NCDs offers several benefits, leveraging the strengths of both approaches to enhance the overall assessment process. Making the process fun can transform a typically clinical experience into a positive one, improving overall well-being. Moreover, combining both methods suggests the direction of a comprehensive evaluation of various cognitive domains (memory, attention, executive function, visuospatial skills) using different approaches which provides a richer, more nuanced understanding of cognitive function and progression.

Step-by-step action

(1)       Disseminate the theories, in terms of behavioural, cognitive, psychological and psychosocial development of NCDs

(2)      Performing a systematic review on the application of conventional cognitive screening and application of gamified cognitive screening

(3)       Draft PROSPERO registration protocol and in line with the PRISMA guidelines.

(4)      Format the research question, research aim and objectives

(4)       To identify potential instruments to be used.

(5)      To design the protocol and to conduct a single or multi-arm parallel-group trials in addressing the research question.

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Dr Frank Lai. For informal queries, please contact frank.lai@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please use the email form below to contact Admissions. 

Eligibility Requirements:

•         Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.

•         Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

•         Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

•         Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or

•         have settled status, or

•         have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or

•         have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.  

International applicants will need to be aware of the following additional costs that may be incurred, as these are not covered by the studentship.

·           Immigration Health Surcharge https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application

·           If you need to apply for a Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. It is important that you read this information carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct funds required for your visa application, otherwise your visa may be refused.

·           Costs associated with English Language requirements which may be required for students not having completed a first degree in English, will not be paid by the University.

For further details on how to apply see

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/   

In your application, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. SF24/…).

Deadline for applications: Year Round

Start date of course: Standard cohort dates are 1^st March and 1^st October

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers