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The need for change in early care for the aging
An innovative project for prevention and personalized care
The COMFORTage project aims to develop a comprehensive care model that combines advanced clinical approaches, artificial intelligence and new technologies to deliver personalised interventions for older people at risk of cognitive decline. COMFORTage aims to overcome the fragmentation of health data and improve the integration of digital tools in healthcare.
Fundación INTRAS is leading COMFORTage pilot number 11, which emphasises the active participation of users in the development of innovative technologies specifically designed to improve the quality of life and well-being of older people. This participatory approach allows users themselves, together with carers and professionals, to co-create technological solutions tailored to their real needs and preferences, thus ensuring their effectiveness and ease of use.
In addition, this pilot project focuses on the validation of virtual reality tools such as GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION, which facilitates the early detection of cognitive impairment through advanced neuropsychological assessments in immersive environments. By combining participatory methods with cutting-edge technology, the INTRAS Foundation aims to develop a highly effective intervention model based on the early detection and prevention of cognitive impairment, thereby contributing to optimising clinical response and improving patients’ quality of life.
Two substudies seek to transform health care about cognitive impairment
The INTRAS Foundation pilot project at COMFORTage is developing two complementary sub-studies with two main objectives:
1. Participatory intervention model: Technology and Quality of Life
The first sub-study focuses on the validation of an intervention model that promotes the active participation of older people in the design and development of technologies aimed at improving their quality of life. The central hypothesis is that the involvement of end-users in technological development favours the acceptance and use of digital tools, thus optimising their benefits.
In order to test this hypothesis, the substudy implements various strategies and methods, including:
- Participatory events or nudge strategies where end-users, carers and professionals develop strategies to improve technology adoption.
- Co-creation sessions between users and technology experts to adapt tools to the real needs of older adults.
- Implementation of innovative devices, such as the use of social robots and multi-sensory systems for cognitive and emotional stimulation.
The specific objectives of this pilot project are as follows:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the impulse strategy to achieve greater user acceptance and positive user experience.
- To measure the impact of the use of these technologies on the quality of life of the participants.
Expected impact
The results of this study will allow the development of strategies to promote the use of assistive technologies in older people, thus promoting active, autonomous and healthy ageing. In addition, this intervention model will serve as a reference for future applications in clinical and community settings.
2. GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION: virtual reality for early detection of cognitive impairment
The second sub-study aims to longitudinally validate GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION, a virtual reality tool designed to detect early signs of cognitive impairment through immersive neuropsychological testing. This innovative solution allows the assessment of memory, executive function and spatial navigation through interactive virtual environments.
Study methodology
The study will be conducted over three and a half years with a sample of 100 participants over the age of 55, divided into three groups:
- People with no cognitive impairment or memory complaints
- People with subjective memory complaints.
- People with mild cognitive impairment.
Participants will be assessed annually using the GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION and traditional methods (paper and pencil test) to analyse the effectiveness of the tool in predicting the progression of cognitive impairment.
The specific aims of this study are to:
- To evaluate the predictive ability of the GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION memory, executive function and spatial navigation subtests in the development of cognitive impairment.
- To assess user acceptance and experience with the proposed virtual methodology.
Expected impact
The results of this study will contribute to the development of more efficient and accessible screening systems for the early detection of dementia, enabling more timely and personalised interventions. The use of GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION will not only allow early identification of possible cases of cognitive impairment, but will also improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the burden of invasive testing.
Science, technology and person-centred care
The INTRAS Foundation’s work within COMFORTage reflects an innovative approach to cognitive impairment care that combines advanced technology, active user participation and personalised intervention methods. This approach allows us to move towards more empowering, less risky and more effective models of care.
These studies not only provide innovative solutions for early detection of cognitive impairment, but also promote digital inclusion and autonomy for older people in making decisions about their health and well-being. In addition, the integration of biomedical and neuropsychological data with artificial intelligence will help improve diagnostic accuracy and develop more effective therapeutic strategies.
Moreover, INTRAS significantly contributes to the COMFORTage VHP platform by providing both prospective and retrospective data:
- Prospective data: Collected from participants engaging with GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION over a 3.5-year longitudinal study. Variables include neuropsychological assessments, socio-demographics, quality of life, and technology interaction metrics.
- Retrospective data: Clinical records, enriching the AI-driven risk modeling.
This data is crucial for:
- Training predictive algorithms.
- Refining DSS (Decision Support Systems) services within COMFORTage.
- Improving early risk stratification for dementia.
COMFORTage Services: From Data to Decision Making
INTRAS plans to leverage COMFORTage service:
- Improve early identification of cognitive decline among its users.
- Guide personalized intervention planning based on predictive analytics.
- Integrate findings into daily clinical routines and Living Lab activities.
Moreover, technologies developed by INTRAS, such as GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION, are not only valuable for local use, but offer rich datasets that can be utilized by the broader COMFORTage platform to enhance diagnostic algorithms and contribute to AI models.
A call to action: Towards a more inclusive and technological future
Fundación INTRAS stands as a leading example of how innovation, technology, and a human centered approach can redefine cognitive healthcare. Through pioneering initiatives like COMFORTage, INTRAS is paving the way toward a future of healthcare that is predictive, participatory, and personalized — empowering older adults to live healthier, more connected, and fulfilling lives.
The adoption of tools such as GRADIOR DLA PREVENTION and the implementation of participatory intervention models are proving to be game-changers in the early detection, prevention, and management of dementia.
At Fundación INTRAS, we extend an open call to the scientific, clinical, and public communities to champion technology-driven, person-centered approaches. Together, we must build a future where elderly care is not only more effective but also more inclusive, compassionate, and anchored in evidence-based innovation — ultimately improving the quality of life for older generations.
