DORIAN GRAY is a collaborative project that investigates the link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly population. The project aims at designing a multidomain intervention to delay CVD-related MCI progression and developing digital solutions to enhance the adherence. This digital solution will use an avatar-based coaching exergame and serve as a cognitive enhancement tool with structured physical and cognitive activities promoting healthy behaviours experienced in the virtual environment.
On 23 July, members of the DORIAN GRAY Public Involvement Board (DORIAN GRAY-PIB) met online with the research team to discuss the ongoing development of the DORIAN GRAY exergame and digital coach. The consultation was facilitated by Ana Diaz (Public Involvement Lead at Alzheimer Europe) and Cindy Birck (Research Lead at Alzheimer Europe).
Researchers provided an update on how feedback from the previous face-to-face meeting in Milan has been incorporated into the development of the digital solutions. They also summarised the key user needs identified by the DORIAN GRAY-PIB and thanked members for their valuable contributions.
During the second part of the meeting, the research team presented plans for summer testing. This will include testing additional exergames, the Mirror app and online surveys focusing on the digital coach. The aim is to ensure that the digital solution is engaging, accessible and appealing to people with mild cognitive issues or in the early stages of a neurodegenerative disease.
Members who attended this session actively participated in the discussion and provided valuable feedback to support the further development of the exergame and digital coach. Their continued involvement will help ensure that the DORIAN GRAY digital solutions reflect the needs and preferences of the people they are designed to support.
