Augmented Reality for Cognitive Screening in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Ten-Year Systematic Review
Resumo
Augmented Reality (AR) is increasingly explored as a low-burden alternative to pencil-and-paper cognitive tests for dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. Our objective with this review is to synthesize ten years (2014–2024) of empirical evidence on AR-based cognitive screening, estimate pooled diagnostic accuracy, and distil user-experience (UX) guidelines for people with neurodegenerative disorders. We searched Scopus with the string “augmented reality” AND cognitive AND (dementia OR Parkinson), screened 399 records, and retained 38 primary studies. Two reviewers independently extracted sample, task, hardware, and accuracy metrics. Optical see-through AR improved test sensitivity over matched non-immersive tests, while projection-based AR offered the largest UX gains. Hardware cost and eye-tracker drift were the main precision bottlenecks. AR can raise both diagnostic sensitivity and patient engagement, but only four studies used clinical-stage participants. Future work should couple low-cost hand-held AR with cloud inference to widen accessibility.
Palavras-chave:
Design, Augmented Reality, Neurodegenerative diseases, Cognitive Test
Referências
Ahn, S. J. Lee, J. Y. and Kim, D. (2017). Smart glasses–based augmented reality visual guidance for freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, 21(6):1763–1770. DOI: 10.1109/JBHI.2017.2732403
Andrade Ferreira, A. et al. (2018). Augmented reality as a rehabilitation tool for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 15(1):1–15. DOI: 10.1186/s12984-018-0393-3
Aruanno, B. and Garzotto, F. (2019). MemHolo: An augmented reality cognitive training app for early Alzheimer’s patients. Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, ACM. DOI: 10.1145/3290607.3312932
Baugher, J. Kakoutopoulos, A. and Nascimento, L. G. (2025). Performance of wearable augmented reality cues for Parkinson’s gait support. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 168:108489. DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.108489
Boletsis, C. and McCallum, S. (2017). Augmented reality serious games for cognitive screening in older adults: a usability study. Computers in Human Behavior, 73:350–357. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.053
Caggianese, G. Gallo, L. and Neroni, P. (2023). Integrating augmented reality and brain–computer interfaces: a systematic review. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 159:106991. DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106991
Cerrato, A. and Ponticorvo, M. (2017). Augmented reality and gamification in neuropsychological assessment: a case study. Frontiers in Psychology, 8:1423. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01423
Chaldogeridis, A. et al. (2014). Computer-based cognitive training for Alzheimer’s disease: a pilot study. Aging & Mental Health, 18(2):259–265. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2013.837148
Christova, M. et al. (2022). Development of a multimodal augmented reality screening protocol for cognitive decline. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14:904521. DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.904521
Cidota, M. A. Lukosch, S. and van der Meulen, E. (2015). Augmented reality for upper-body motor assessment in dementia care. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 23(6):979–988. DOI: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2396876
Desai, P. et al. (2020). Exploring presence and interaction in mixed reality for dementia therapy. Proceedings of the 2020 ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology, 1–9. DOI: 10.1145/3385956.3418931
Ejaz, K. et al. (2019). Designing accessible augmented reality interfaces for elderly users. Universal Access in the Information Society, 18(4):875–888. DOI: 10.1007/s10209-018-0634-8
Fasilis, T. et al. (2018). Serious games for cognitive rehabilitation in mild dementia: design and assessment. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 34(6):742–753. DOI: 10.1111/jcal.12287
Gacem, A. et al. (2019). Smart-glasses with augmented reality for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease support. Sensors, 19(24):5475. DOI: 10.3390/s19245475
Goderie, T. et al. (2017). Serious gaming for dementia assessment: lessons learned. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9:80. DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00080
Hamilton, I. et al. (2021). My Daily Routine: Augmented reality support for dementia patients and caregivers. Assistive Technology, 33(6):324–336. DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2020.1748459
Jin, M. et al. (2020). Virtual, augmented and mixed reality applications for cognitive assessment: a comparative review. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 75(3):903–920. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-200270
Kakoutopoulos, A. et al. (2025). Handheld augmented reality adherence and usability in dementia screening: a meta-analysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 157:108167. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108167
Kanno, S. et al. (2018). An augmented reality mobile support system for Alzheimer’s patients. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, 9(4):1161–1174. DOI: 10.1007/s12652-017-0542-7
Karimah, M. et al. (2022). Design thinking–based development of AR interfaces to enhance user experience in cognitive health apps. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 38(10):932–949. DOI: 10.1080/10447318.2022.2041147
Lee, C. H. et al. (2016). An augmented reality game for training spatial rotation skills in cognitive rehabilitation. Computers & Education, 98:64–78. DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2016.03.001
Lin, T. H. et al. (2021). Augmented reality and artificial intelligence for early Parkinson’s diagnosis. Sensors, 21(8):2705. DOI: 10.3390/s21082705
Liu, M. and Chang, C. (2021). Virtual screening for initial dementia cognitive scenario: combining VR and AR. Journal of Medical Systems, 45(2):22. DOI: 10.1007/s10916-020-01680-9
Maharjan, R. et al. (2023). Improving image matching accuracy in augmented reality with robust feature descriptors. Pattern Recognition Letters, 165:189–198. DOI: 10.1016/j.patrec.2023.02.007
Muurling, M. et al. (2023). Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using augmented reality cognitive assessment. Frontiers in Neurology, 14:1164782. DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1164782
Okahashi, H. et al. (2020). Virtual Shopping App for cognitive rehabilitation in dementia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3):857. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030857
Onorati, D. et al. (2023). Co-designing AR prototypes for dementia care: balancing user experience and cognitive challenge. Frontiers in Psychology, 14:1132984. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1132984
Park, S. H. et al. (2019). Mixed reality cognitive training system for mild cognitive impairment. Computers in Human Behavior, 100:327–336. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.020
Parums, D. V. (2021). Editorial: Guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA 2020). Medical Science Monitor, 27:e934575. DOI: 10.12659/MSM.934575
Pushpakumar, D. et al. (2023). User-centered design in augmented reality systems: improving human–computer interaction. Journal of Usability Studies, 18(3):150–168.
Ramos, M. et al. (2016). The role of service design and user experience in interactive systems. International Journal of Design, 10(3):45–58.
Taghavi, M. et al. (2023). Ambient assisted living system with augmented reality and IoT for Alzheimer’s patient monitoring. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 10(8):6751–6762. DOI: 10.1109/JIOT.2022.3237270
Valenzuela, M. (2008). Brain reserve and cognitive resilience. Aging & Mental Health, 12(3):257–259. DOI: 10.1080/13607860802120854
van der Meulen, E. Cidota, M. and Lukosch, S. (2016). Interactive augmented reality for motor assessment in dementia care. Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts, 2105–2111. DOI: 10.1145/2851581.2892567
Vovk, A. Patel, M. and Cahn, W. (2019). Assessing spatial memory using augmented reality for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13:240. DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00240
Wang, Q. et al. (2020). Augmented reality serious game for gait rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease. IEEE Access, 8:189591–189602. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3031597
WenKai, L. et al. (2023). Gamified AR activities for people with dementia: a user-centered study. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 10:100271. DOI: 10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100271
Wolf, P. et al. (2018). cARe: An augmented reality system for dementia patient assistance. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments, 10(6):445–458. DOI: 10.3233/AIS-180509
Andrade Ferreira, A. et al. (2018). Augmented reality as a rehabilitation tool for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 15(1):1–15. DOI: 10.1186/s12984-018-0393-3
Aruanno, B. and Garzotto, F. (2019). MemHolo: An augmented reality cognitive training app for early Alzheimer’s patients. Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, ACM. DOI: 10.1145/3290607.3312932
Baugher, J. Kakoutopoulos, A. and Nascimento, L. G. (2025). Performance of wearable augmented reality cues for Parkinson’s gait support. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 168:108489. DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.108489
Boletsis, C. and McCallum, S. (2017). Augmented reality serious games for cognitive screening in older adults: a usability study. Computers in Human Behavior, 73:350–357. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.053
Caggianese, G. Gallo, L. and Neroni, P. (2023). Integrating augmented reality and brain–computer interfaces: a systematic review. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 159:106991. DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106991
Cerrato, A. and Ponticorvo, M. (2017). Augmented reality and gamification in neuropsychological assessment: a case study. Frontiers in Psychology, 8:1423. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01423
Chaldogeridis, A. et al. (2014). Computer-based cognitive training for Alzheimer’s disease: a pilot study. Aging & Mental Health, 18(2):259–265. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2013.837148
Christova, M. et al. (2022). Development of a multimodal augmented reality screening protocol for cognitive decline. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14:904521. DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.904521
Cidota, M. A. Lukosch, S. and van der Meulen, E. (2015). Augmented reality for upper-body motor assessment in dementia care. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 23(6):979–988. DOI: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2396876
Desai, P. et al. (2020). Exploring presence and interaction in mixed reality for dementia therapy. Proceedings of the 2020 ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology, 1–9. DOI: 10.1145/3385956.3418931
Ejaz, K. et al. (2019). Designing accessible augmented reality interfaces for elderly users. Universal Access in the Information Society, 18(4):875–888. DOI: 10.1007/s10209-018-0634-8
Fasilis, T. et al. (2018). Serious games for cognitive rehabilitation in mild dementia: design and assessment. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 34(6):742–753. DOI: 10.1111/jcal.12287
Gacem, A. et al. (2019). Smart-glasses with augmented reality for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease support. Sensors, 19(24):5475. DOI: 10.3390/s19245475
Goderie, T. et al. (2017). Serious gaming for dementia assessment: lessons learned. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9:80. DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00080
Hamilton, I. et al. (2021). My Daily Routine: Augmented reality support for dementia patients and caregivers. Assistive Technology, 33(6):324–336. DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2020.1748459
Jin, M. et al. (2020). Virtual, augmented and mixed reality applications for cognitive assessment: a comparative review. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 75(3):903–920. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-200270
Kakoutopoulos, A. et al. (2025). Handheld augmented reality adherence and usability in dementia screening: a meta-analysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 157:108167. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108167
Kanno, S. et al. (2018). An augmented reality mobile support system for Alzheimer’s patients. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, 9(4):1161–1174. DOI: 10.1007/s12652-017-0542-7
Karimah, M. et al. (2022). Design thinking–based development of AR interfaces to enhance user experience in cognitive health apps. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 38(10):932–949. DOI: 10.1080/10447318.2022.2041147
Lee, C. H. et al. (2016). An augmented reality game for training spatial rotation skills in cognitive rehabilitation. Computers & Education, 98:64–78. DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2016.03.001
Lin, T. H. et al. (2021). Augmented reality and artificial intelligence for early Parkinson’s diagnosis. Sensors, 21(8):2705. DOI: 10.3390/s21082705
Liu, M. and Chang, C. (2021). Virtual screening for initial dementia cognitive scenario: combining VR and AR. Journal of Medical Systems, 45(2):22. DOI: 10.1007/s10916-020-01680-9
Maharjan, R. et al. (2023). Improving image matching accuracy in augmented reality with robust feature descriptors. Pattern Recognition Letters, 165:189–198. DOI: 10.1016/j.patrec.2023.02.007
Muurling, M. et al. (2023). Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using augmented reality cognitive assessment. Frontiers in Neurology, 14:1164782. DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1164782
Okahashi, H. et al. (2020). Virtual Shopping App for cognitive rehabilitation in dementia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3):857. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030857
Onorati, D. et al. (2023). Co-designing AR prototypes for dementia care: balancing user experience and cognitive challenge. Frontiers in Psychology, 14:1132984. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1132984
Park, S. H. et al. (2019). Mixed reality cognitive training system for mild cognitive impairment. Computers in Human Behavior, 100:327–336. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.020
Parums, D. V. (2021). Editorial: Guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA 2020). Medical Science Monitor, 27:e934575. DOI: 10.12659/MSM.934575
Pushpakumar, D. et al. (2023). User-centered design in augmented reality systems: improving human–computer interaction. Journal of Usability Studies, 18(3):150–168.
Ramos, M. et al. (2016). The role of service design and user experience in interactive systems. International Journal of Design, 10(3):45–58.
Taghavi, M. et al. (2023). Ambient assisted living system with augmented reality and IoT for Alzheimer’s patient monitoring. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 10(8):6751–6762. DOI: 10.1109/JIOT.2022.3237270
Valenzuela, M. (2008). Brain reserve and cognitive resilience. Aging & Mental Health, 12(3):257–259. DOI: 10.1080/13607860802120854
van der Meulen, E. Cidota, M. and Lukosch, S. (2016). Interactive augmented reality for motor assessment in dementia care. Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts, 2105–2111. DOI: 10.1145/2851581.2892567
Vovk, A. Patel, M. and Cahn, W. (2019). Assessing spatial memory using augmented reality for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13:240. DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00240
Wang, Q. et al. (2020). Augmented reality serious game for gait rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease. IEEE Access, 8:189591–189602. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3031597
WenKai, L. et al. (2023). Gamified AR activities for people with dementia: a user-centered study. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 10:100271. DOI: 10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100271
Wolf, P. et al. (2018). cARe: An augmented reality system for dementia patient assistance. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments, 10(6):445–458. DOI: 10.3233/AIS-180509
Publicado
30/09/2025
Como Citar
NASCIMENTO, Luiz Gustavo Guilherme do; CORREIA, Walter Franklin Marques; CAMPOS, Fabio; GISBERGEN, Marnix S. van; BARROS, Marina de Lima Neves; LINS, Anthony; TEIXEIRA, João Marcelo Xavier Natário.
Augmented Reality for Cognitive Screening in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Ten-Year Systematic Review. In: SIMPÓSIO DE REALIDADE VIRTUAL E AUMENTADA (SVR), 27. , 2025, Salvador/BA.
Anais [...].
Porto Alegre: Sociedade Brasileira de Computação,
2025
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p. 26-44.
