Assessmentville - A Preview

The Cognitive Map Probe (CMP) is a novel TUI-based automatic cognitive assessment tool attempting to measure the cognitive mapping abilities of its users. The CMP uses a TUI-based environment we call Assessmentville in order to support natural acquisition and straightforward assessment of cognitive maps. The CMP assesses early Alzheimer Disease (AD) by measuring the decline in cognitive mapping abilities, a decline associated with early phases of AD. Assessmentville enables the user to interact with a virtual neighborhood environment by manipulating highly realistic, highly detailed, physical 3D models. Assessmentville subparts were designed as realistic 3D small-scale models of physical landmarks and later printed using a 3D printer. We are currently using a computer-game (Half-Life®) graphical engine for the virtual interaction with Assessmentville. We believe that the CMP's usage of identical physical and virtual entities affords a very simple mapping between the virtual and physical elements of the interface, making it very valuable for elderly users.