Awardee Organization(s): University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Principal Investigator(s): Xiaopeng Zhao, PhD
Official Project Title: MUSICARE-VR: Music Intervention with Virtual Reality for Alzheimer’s Care
AITC Partner: PennAITech
Website(s): https://mabe.utk.edu/
MUSICARE-VR is an innovative system that combines the benefits of music intervention with the connective power of virtual reality to improve the well-being of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (PwADRD). By providing engaging music sessions in a virtual environment, MUSICARE-VR aims to enhance cognitive function, physical activity, emotional positivity, and social connectedness among PwADRD, especially those living in isolation. The system will be developed using cutting-edge virtual reality technologies. PwADRD will participate in personalized, interactive music activities led by skilled music therapists, fostering a sense of achievement and encouraging repeated engagement. A key feature of MUSICARE-VR is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which will adapt music interventions in real-time based on users’ emotional and physiological responses, ensuring an engaging and effective experience. AI-powered virtual agents will also join the sessions, enhancing social interactions and overall engagement. To ensure the system’s success, MUSICARE-VR will be developed through a user-centered, iterative design process. The feasibility and acceptance of the system will be evaluated among PwADRD and their caregivers, with a focus on usability, engagement metrics, and participant feedback. By combining music intervention, virtual reality, and AI, MUSICARE-VR promises to be a groundbreaking tool for improving the quality of life of PwADRD and their caregivers.
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