2026-10-09T19:52:03Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/34008933 2026-09-30T00:41:29Z category_27082 portal_12 item_type_5 month_year_09_2026

Yuan Gao: Virtual humans at home: A feasibility study with older adults with mild cognitive impairment Yuan Gao (18701161) Digital health Virtual humans older adults mild cognitive impairment cognitive health <p dir="ltr">Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can affect thinking and memory, while physical, cognitive, and social activities may support cognitive health. Virtual humans may provide accessible home-based support, but evidence from real-world use remains limited. We designed a large language model-powered virtual human app for older adults with MCI and are examining its feasibility and acceptability during home use. At least 15 participants will use the app for one week, engaging in physical exercises with real-time feedback, brain games, and typed or spoken social conversation. Feasibility and acceptability are assessed using system logs, questionnaires, and open-ended feedback, with loneliness examined separately. Preliminary data show engagement, with participants averaging 60 minutes daily with the virtual human, Mary. An early loneliness trajectory decreased from 6 at baseline to 3 post-intervention and was 4 at follow-up; scores of 6 or above indicate loneliness. These findings support further evaluation of home-based virtual human interventions.</p> 2026-09-30T00:41:29Z Image Poster 10.17608/k6.auckland.34008933.v2 https://figshare.com/articles/poster/Virtual_humans_at_home_A_feasibility_study_with_older_adults_with_mild_cognitive_impairment/34008933 CC BY 4.0