Detecting cognitive impairment through an age-friendly serious game: The development and usability of the spatial performance assessment for cognitive evaluation (SPACE)

Giorgio Colombo, Karolina Minta, Jascha Grübel, Wei Lin Eunice Tai, Christoph Hölscher, Victor R. Schinazi

Abstract: Highlights•SPACE is a novel iPad serious game that identifies deficits in spatial ability indicative of cognitive impairment.•A new semi-automated and user-friendly control interface improved the performance of older adults in the tasks in SPACE.•A UI navigation aid enhanced the performance of younger adults but increased the cognitive load of older adults.•A simplified spatial configuration boasted the best performance and usability while providing a sufficient level of challenge.•The simplified configuration mitigated age-related performance differences, making it suitable for assessing cognitive status.