A Proposal of Rehabilitation Application System Using Sliding Block Puzzles for Prevention of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Abstract

Rehabilitation for the most common symptoms such as dementia is brain training, and it is thought that this type of training is highly compatible to digitalization and applications.

In this paper, we propose an application using sliding block puzzles for prevention of MCI. This will include an editing function that acquires image data, divides it into 3 * 3 or 4 * 4 and creates questions. The function determines whether the image is portrait or landscape and resizes the image accordingly. It also changes the color and brightness of the image in consideration of the user’s vision.

Therefore, this proposed application is operated with intuitive movement using touch and slide operation on a tablet terminal. Intuitive operations such as touch and slide are easily understood by anyone without instruction.

As with the conventional sliding block puzzle, the user will slide the panel using the space of one frame to arrange the panel in the desired order. It is thought that the cerebral blood flow is activated by the user performing such an activity. Since the sliding block puzzle requires the memory of a goal, the arrangement of figures and special awareness, we believe that it will suppress the progress of dementia.