Apparatus and method for providing user-customized program for improving cognitive ability

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability are provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first questionnaire for a cognitive test to a terminal of a user; upon receiving a first response to the first questionnaire from the user terminal, calculating dementia risk of the user on the basis of the first response; providing a first training program for a preset first period to the user terminal on the basis of the dementia risk; providing, to the user terminal at the end time point of the first period, a second questionnaire for a lifestyle assessment based on the first response; upon receiving a second response to the second questionnaire from the user terminal, calculating a first lifestyle score of the user on the basis of the second response; and providing a second training program for a preset second period to the user terminal on the basis of the first lifestyle score.

Description

Device and method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability.

[0002] Korea is undergoing rapid aging, having already entered an "aged society" as of 2017, when the population aged 65 or older exceeded 14% of the total population, and it is expected that Korea will have the highest life expectancy in the world by 2030. As the country progresses toward an aged society, the number of dementia patients increased from approximately 460,000 in 2017 to over 600,000 in 2021, while the number of patients with mild cognitive impairment increased from approximately 180,000 in 2017 to 300,000 in 2021.

[0003] Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between forgetfulness and Alzheimer's dementia. Although memory, cognitive abilities, calculation skills, and language proficiency decline, normal daily life remains possible; consequently, in the early stages, it is often only the patient who notices the condition, while those around them fail to recognize it. In fact, it has been found that six out of ten people are unaware of the term MCI itself, and more than seven do not realize that MCI is a critical period for preventing dementia. With early treatment, 25–30% of these patients can recover to normal cognitive function.

[0004] Current treatments for mild cognitive impairment include medication, but its effectiveness varies significantly depending on the individual and carries the problem of side effects. Therefore, a non-pharmacological approach such as digital healthcare is necessary.

[0005] The embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are intended to provide a device and method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability.

[0006] The problems that this disclosure aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0007] A method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the technical problem described above may include the steps of: providing a first questionnaire for cognitive testing to a user terminal; when a first response to the first questionnaire is received from the user terminal, calculating the user's dementia risk level based on the first response; providing a first training program to the user terminal for a first period set based on the dementia risk level; providing a second questionnaire for lifestyle testing based on the first response to the user terminal at the end of the first period; when a second response to the second questionnaire is received from the user terminal, calculating the user's first lifestyle score based on the second response; and providing a second training program to the user terminal for a second period set based on the first lifestyle score.

[0008] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the technical objectives described above, a device for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability includes a memory storing at least one process for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability and a processor that performs operations based on said process. The processor may provide a first questionnaire for cognitive testing to a user terminal, and when a first response to the first questionnaire is received from the user terminal, calculate the user's dementia risk based on the first response, provide a first training program to the user terminal for a pre-set first period based on the dementia risk, provide a second questionnaire for lifestyle testing based on the first response to the user terminal at the end of the first period, and when a second response to the second questionnaire is received from the user terminal, calculate the user's lifestyle score based on the second response and provide a second training program to the user terminal for a pre-set second period based on the lifestyle score.

[0009] In addition, a computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium for executing a method for implementing the present disclosure may be further provided.

[0010] In addition, a computer-readable recording medium for recording a computer program for executing a method for implementing the present disclosure may be further provided.

[0011] According to the aforementioned means for solving the problem of the present disclosure, the effect of improving cognitive ability can be enhanced by providing a customized training program that reflects the user's level and inclination.

[0012] In addition, mobile medical apps enhance users' access to treatment, enabling early prevention and treatment.

[0013] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a user-customized program providing system for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining step S230 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first training program provided according to dementia risk level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining step S260 illustrated in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a drawing for illustrating a second training program provided according to a lifestyle score according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the flow of an overall training program for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 9a to 9f are drawings for explaining a User Interface (UI) of a service application according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This disclosure does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and general content in the art to which this disclosure pertains or content that overlaps between embodiments is omitted. The terms “part, module, component, block” as used in the specification may be implemented in software or hardware, and depending on the embodiments, a plurality of “parts, modules, components, blocks” may be implemented as a single component, or a single “part, module, component, block” may include a plurality of components. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being “connected” to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection, and indirect connection includes connection via a wireless communication network.

[0024] Furthermore, when it is stated that a part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0025] Throughout the specification, when it is stated that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where a component is in contact with another component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0026] The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by the aforementioned terms.

[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless there is an obvious exception in the context.

[0028] In each step, identification codes are used for convenience of explanation and do not describe the order of the steps; the steps may be performed differently from the specified order unless a specific order is clearly indicated in the context.

[0029] The operating principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] Prior to the explanation, the meanings of the terms used in this specification are briefly explained. However, since the explanation of terms is intended to aid in understanding this specification, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated as a limiting factor, they are not used to limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0031] In this specification, the term "device" includes all various devices capable of performing computational processing and providing results to a user. For example, a device may include a computer, a server device, and a portable terminal, or may take the form of any one of these.

[0032] Here, the computer may include, for example, a notebook, desktop, laptop, tablet PC, slate PC, etc. equipped with a web browser.

[0033] The above server device is a server that processes information by communicating with an external device, and may include an application server, a computing server, a database server, a file server, a game server, a mail server, a proxy server, and a web server.

[0034] The above portable terminal may include, for example, all types of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), WiBro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminals, smartphones, etc., as well as wearable devices such as watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMDs).

[0035] Functions related to artificial intelligence according to the present disclosure are operated through a processor and memory. The processor may be composed of one or more processors. In this case, the one or more processors may be general-purpose processors such as CPUs, APs, and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), graphics-dedicated processors such as GPUs and VPUs (Vision Processing Units), or artificial intelligence-dedicated processors such as NPUs. The one or more processors control the processing of input data according to predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models stored in memory. Alternatively, if the one or more processors are artificial intelligence-dedicated processors, the artificial intelligence-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model.

[0036] The predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models are characterized by being created through learning. Here, being created through learning means that a predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models configured to perform a desired characteristic (or objective) are created by a basic artificial intelligence model being trained using a number of training data by a learning algorithm. Such learning may be performed on the device itself where the artificial intelligence according to the present disclosure is executed, or it may be performed through a separate server and / or system. Examples of learning algorithms include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but are not limited to the examples described above.

[0037] An artificial intelligence model may be composed of multiple neural network layers. Each of the multiple neural network layers has multiple weight values ​​and performs neural network operations through operations between the results of previous layers and the multiple weights. The multiple weights possessed by the multiple neural network layers can be optimized based on the learning results of the artificial intelligence model. For example, the multiple weights may be updated so that the loss value or cost value obtained from the artificial intelligence model during the learning process is reduced or minimized. The artificial neural network may include a Deep Neural Network (DNN), such as a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Deep Neural Network (DNN), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM), Deep Belief Network (DBN), Bidirectional Recurrent Deep Neural Network (BRDNN), or Deep Q-Networks, but is not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0038] The processor can create a neural network, train (or learn) a neural network, perform operations based on received input data, generate an information signal based on the results of the operation, or retrain the neural network.

[0039] Neural networks include CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), perceptron, multilayer perceptron, FF (Feed Forward), RBF (Radial Basis Network), DFF (Deep Feed Forward), LSTM (Long Short Term Memory), GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit), AE (Auto Encoder), VAE (Variational Auto) Encoder), DAE (Denoising Auto Encoder), SAE (Sparse Auto Encoder), MC (Markov Chain), HN (Hopfield Network), BM (Boltzmann Machine), RBM (Restricted Boltzmann Machine), DBN (Depp Belief Network), DCN (Deep Convolutional Network), DN (Deconvolutional Network), DCIGN (Deep Convolutional Inverse Graphics Network), GAN (Generative Adversarial Network), LSM (Liquid State Machine), ELM (Extreme Learning Machine), ESN (Echo It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that any neural network may be included, but is not limited to, State Network, Deep Residual Network, Differential Neural Computer, Neural Turning Machine, Capsule Network, Kohonen Network, and Attention Network.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor comprises a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) such as GoogleNet, AlexNet, VGG Network, Region with Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN), Region Proposal Network (RPN), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Stacking-based Deep Neural Network (S-DNN), State-Space Dynamic Neural Network (S-SDNN), Deconvolution Network, Deep Belief Network (DBN), Restructured Boltzmann Machine (RBM), Fully Convolutional Network, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Network, Classification Network, Generative Modeling, eXplainable AI, Continual AI, Representation Learning, AI for Material Design, BERT, SP-BERT, MRC / QA, Text Analysis, Dialog System, GPT-3, GPT-4 for Natural Language Processing, Visual Analytics, Visual Understanding, Video Synthesis for Vision Processing, Anomaly Detection, Prediction, Time-Series Forecasting, Optimization for ResNet Data Intelligence, Various artificial intelligence structures and algorithms, such as recommendation and data creation, may be used, but are not limited thereto.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a user-customized program providing system for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, an episodic memory training provision system (1) (hereinafter, system) for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment may include a customized program provision device (10) and a user terminal (20). However, in some embodiments, the system (1) may include fewer or more components than the components shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] A system (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can help improve the user's cognitive ability by calculating the user's dementia risk level through a cognitive test, providing a first training program during a first period based on the dementia risk level, and subsequently calculating the user's lifestyle score through a lifestyle test and providing a second training program during a second period based on the lifestyle score.

[0045] That is, the system (1) can first provide a training program determined according to the user's dementia risk level during the early part of the entire training period, and then provide a training program determined according to the user's lifestyle score during the middle and later parts. As a result, since it is possible to consider both the dementia risk level and lifestyle and provide training tailored to each, it can be more effective in improving the user's cognitive ability.

[0046] The customized program providing device (10) can provide a customized cognitive therapy program in the form of a digital therapeutic that provides cognitive therapy to alleviate and maintain symptoms of cognitive decline for patients with mild cognitive impairment. However, it is not limited to this and can be extended to patients with degenerative diseases.

[0047] The customized program providing device (10) can provide training content on a daily basis according to the curriculum of the training program once the training program is determined based on the dementia risk level and lifestyle score, respectively.

[0048] The user terminal (20) may refer to a terminal device of a user (patient) who uses a user-customized training service through a service platform. The patient may use the service in the form of an online web or app by installing a service application (program) provided by the customized program providing device (10) on the user terminal (20). However, it is not limited thereto, and the user terminal (20) may be a terminal device used by a medical professional or a terminal device provided in a hospital.

[0049] The user terminal (20) can perform cognitive tests and lifestyle tests through a service application, and can perform training content provided daily according to a training program determined based on each test result.

[0050] The user terminal (20) may include information processing means such as a computer, a processor such as a control unit, a shooting means such as a camera, an input / output means including a touch screen, and any device including a communication function. That is, any device such as a smartphone, tablet, PDA, laptop, desktop, etc., can be applied.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, the custom program providing device (10) may include a communication unit (11), a memory (12), and a processor (13). However, in some embodiments, the custom program providing device (10) may include fewer or more components than the components shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] The communication unit (11) may include one or more modules that enable wireless or wired communication between the customized program providing device (10) and the user terminal (20), between the customized program providing device (10) and an external device (not shown), and between the customized program providing device (10) and a communication network. For example, it may include at least one of a wired communication module, a wireless communication module, a short-range communication module, and a location information module.

[0053] Various types of communication networks may be used, for example, wireless communication methods such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Wibro, Wimax, and HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), or wired communication methods such as Ethernet, xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax), FTTC (Fiber to The Curb), and FTTH (Fiber to The Home).

[0054] Meanwhile, the communication network is not limited to the communication method presented above, and may include all forms of communication methods that are widely known or will be developed in the future, in addition to the communication method described above.

[0055] The wired communication module may include various wired communication modules such as a Local Area Network (LAN) module, a Wide Area Network (WAN) module, or a Value Added Network (VAN) module, as well as various cable communication modules such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), RS-232 (recommended standard 232), power line communication, or POTS (plain old telephone service).

[0056] In addition to Wi-Fi modules and WiBro (Wireless broadband) modules, the wireless communication module may include wireless communication modules that support various wireless communication methods such as GSM (global System for Mobile Communication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, and 6G.

[0057] A short-range communication module is for short-range communication and can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies.

[0058] Memory (12) may store at least one process for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability.

[0059] The memory (12) can store data supporting various functions of the custom program providing device (10) and programs for the operation of the processor (13), and can store input / output data (e.g., music files, still images, videos, etc.), and can store a number of application programs (or applications) running on the custom program providing device (10), data for the operation of the custom program providing device (10), and instructions. At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.

[0060] Such memory (12) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Additionally, memory (12) may be a database that is separate from the custom program providing device (10) but connected via wired or wireless connection. Alternatively, the database may be included in the custom program providing device (10) as an individual component with memory (12).

[0061] The processor (13) may perform the aforementioned operation using a memory that stores data for an algorithm or a program that reproduces the algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the custom program providing device (10), and the data stored in the memory. At this time, the memory (12) and the processor (13) may each be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory (12) and the processor (13) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0062] Additionally, the processor (13) can control one or a combination of the components described above in order to implement various embodiments according to the present disclosure described in FIGS. 2 to 9f below on the customized program providing device (10).

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9f, a method for providing a user-customized training program to improve cognitive ability in patients with mild cognitive impairment will be described in detail.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining step S230 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first training program provided according to dementia risk level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining step S260 illustrated in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a drawing for illustrating a second training program provided according to a lifestyle score according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the flow of an overall training program for improving cognitive ability according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIGS. 9a to 9f are drawings for explaining a User Interface (UI) of a service application according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 2, the processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) can provide a first questionnaire for a cognitive test to the user's terminal (20) (S210).

[0073] At this time, the first questionnaire for cognitive testing may include multiple items for evaluating the user's cognitive ability, including at least one of executive function, attention, memory, and visuospatial function, and the user's degree of exposure to risk factors for the onset of cognitive impairment.

[0074] Items for evaluating cognitive ability can be structured in a form that provides a task and receives the results of the task's performance.

[0075] Items for assessing the level of exposure may be structured to provide questions regarding risk factors for disease onset and receive answers to those questions.

[0076] When the processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) receives a first response to a first survey from the user terminal (20), it can calculate the user's dementia risk level based on the first response (S220).

[0077] At this time, the first response may include the results of the task performed and the answers to the questions entered for each of the multiple items included in the first survey.

[0078] The processor (13) can calculate the dementia risk by scoring the results of the task and the answers to the questions, respectively.

[0079] The processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) can provide a first training program to the user terminal (20) for a first period based on the dementia risk level (S230).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, in step S230, the processor (13) extracts a first level corresponding to the dementia risk level among a plurality of levels (S231), and can provide a training program designed for the first level to the user terminal (20) on a daily (session) basis during a first period (S232).

[0081] At this time, the first training program is provided during the first period, which corresponds to the beginning of the entire training period. For example, the first training program based on dementia risk is provided for 4 weeks out of the 12-week total training period.

[0082] In addition, the first training program may consist of different curricula for multiple training types across multiple levels. Here, the multiple levels may be distinguished based on the degree of dementia training.

[0083] Specifically, if the dementia training level is the first value, a first training program at the basic level may be provided. If the dementia training level is greater than the first value and less than the second value, a first training program at the core level may be provided. If the dementia training level is the second value or higher, a first training program at the intensive level may be provided. Here, a training program that becomes more intensive as one moves from the basic level to the intensive level may be provided.

[0084] For example, if the user's dementia risk is calculated as a first value, the user may be provided with a first training program at the basic level.

[0085] Below, with reference to Fig. 4, a first training program for multiple levels conducted over four weeks will be described.

[0086] The first training program may include multiple identical training types regardless of level. The multiple training types may include cognitive training, episodic memory training, health class training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training. Here, cognitive training, episodic memory training, and health class training may be designated as mandatory activity training, while physical exercise training and mindfulness training may be designated as elective activity training.

[0087] Here, cognitive training can be divided into multiple domains. For example, cognitive training can be divided into the domains of thinking flexibility, information acquisition ability, working memory, episodic memory, and processing speed.

[0088] Physical exercise training may include, but is not limited to, aerobic exercise and resistance exercise. Aerobic and resistance exercises can have a positive effect on the patient's attention, memory, and work function.

[0089] Mindfulness training may include, but is not limited to, meditation and yoga. Meditation and yoga can inhibit the degeneration of the patient's hippocampus and brain regions responsible for memory, cognition, and emotion, and can also improve the function of the area known as the DMN (Defualt Mode Network), including the medial temporal lobe, medial frontal lobe, and posterior cingulate cortex.

[0090] The first training program may be configured with different weekly performance frequencies for each training type depending on the level. In other words, the higher the dementia risk value, the higher the weekly performance frequency for each training type may be.

[0091] Referring to Figure 4, the first training program of the basic level consists of a curriculum in which cognitive training is performed twice a week, and episodic memory training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training are performed once a week; the first training program of the core level consists of a curriculum in which cognitive training is performed three times a week, and episodic memory training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training are performed twice a week; and the first training program of the intensive level consists of a curriculum in which cognitive training is performed four times a week, and episodic memory training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training are performed three times a week.

[0092] Health class training is basic education based on dementia risk, and can be conducted once a week at the basic level, three times a week at the core level, and three times a week at the intensive level.

[0093] Referring again to FIG. 2, the processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) can provide a second survey for the lifestyle test based on the first response to the user terminal (20) at the end of the first period (S240).

[0094] At this time, the second questionnaire for the lifestyle assessment may include multiple items for evaluating lifestyle for each of at least one dementia risk factor extracted based on the first response among multiple dementia risk factors, and lifestyle for a combination of two or more dementia factors.

[0095] Here, multiple dementia risk factors may include, but are not limited to, BMI, diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, TBI, smoking, pesticide exposure, social participation, alcohol consumption, physical activity, cognitive activity, fish consumption, hypertension, hearing loss, and sleep and apnea, any item related to the onset of dementia.

[0096] The processor (13) can select factors that are actually closely related to the user's dementia among the plurality of dementia risk factors based on the first response to the first test, and generate a second questionnaire to evaluate the user's lifestyle using only the selected factors.

[0097] The processor (13) may store questions for evaluating lifestyle for each of the 16 dementia risk factors described above, and questions for evaluating lifestyle for each of all combinations of the 16 dementia risk factors described above.

[0098] For example, among the 16 dementia risk factors described above, if alcohol consumption, sleep, and apnea are extracted as factors actually associated with the user, the processor (13) can generate a second questionnaire by extracting at least one question for evaluating lifestyle habits regarding alcohol consumption, at least one question for evaluating lifestyle habits regarding sleep, at least one question for evaluating lifestyle habits regarding apnea, at least one question for evaluating lifestyle habits regarding the combination of alcohol consumption and sleep, at least one question for evaluating lifestyle habits regarding the combination of sleep and apnea, at least one question for evaluating lifestyle habits regarding the combination of alcohol consumption and apnea, and at least one question for evaluating lifestyle habits regarding the combination of alcohol consumption, sleep, and apnea.

[0099] When the processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) receives a second response to a second survey from the user terminal (20), it can calculate the user's first lifestyle score based on the second response (S250).

[0100] In this case, the second response may include answers to the questions entered for each of the multiple items included in the second survey.

[0101] The processor (13) can calculate the first lifestyle score by scoring each answer to the question.

[0102] The processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) can provide a second training program to the user terminal (20) for a second period based on the first lifestyle score (S260).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 3, in step S260, the processor (13) extracts a second level corresponding to a first lifestyle score among a plurality of levels (S261), and can provide a training program designed for the second level to the user terminal (20) on a daily (session) basis during a second period (S262).

[0104] At this time, the second training program is provided during the second period, which corresponds to the middle to latter part of the total training period. For example, the second training program based on the first lifestyle score is provided for 8 weeks out of the total 12-week training period.

[0105] In addition, the second training program may consist of different curricula for multiple training types across multiple levels. Here, the multiple levels may be distinguished based on the first lifestyle score.

[0106] Specifically, if the first lifestyle score is greater than the third value (classified as 'Good Lifestyle'), a second training program at the basic level may be provided. If the first lifestyle score is greater than or equal to the fourth value and less than or equal to the third value (classified as 'Average Lifestyle'), a second training program at the core level may be provided. If the first lifestyle score is less than the fourth value (classified as 'Poor Lifestyle'), a second training program at the intensive level may be provided. Here, increasingly intensified training programs may be provided as one progresses from the basic level to the intensive level.

[0107] In the present disclosure, a first training program is provided according to the dementia risk level, and subsequently, a second training program is provided according to the first lifestyle score; therefore, the level of the second training program may be maintained at the same level as the first training program or changed to a different level according to the first lifestyle score.

[0108] For example, if a core-level first training program was provided in the first training program, and the user's first lifestyle score is calculated to be greater than a third value, the user may be provided with a basic-level second training program. In other words, the training level may be changed from the core level to the basic level.

[0109] In the first training program, if the user's first lifestyle score is calculated to be smaller than the fourth value while the first training program at the intensive level has been provided, the user may be provided with the second training program at the intensive level. In other words, the training level may be maintained as is.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 6 below, a second training program for multiple levels conducted over eight weeks will be described.

[0111] The second training program may include multiple identical training types regardless of level. The multiple training types may include cognitive training, episodic memory training, health class training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training. Here, cognitive training, episodic memory training, and health class training may be designated as mandatory activity training, while physical exercise training and mindfulness training may be designated as elective activity training.

[0112] Here, cognitive training can be divided into multiple domains. For example, cognitive training can be divided into the domains of thinking flexibility, information acquisition ability, working memory, episodic memory, and processing speed.

[0113] Physical exercise training may include, but is not limited to, aerobic exercise and resistance exercise. Aerobic and resistance exercises can have a positive effect on the patient's attention, memory, and work function.

[0114] Mindfulness training may include, but is not limited to, meditation and yoga. Meditation and yoga can inhibit the degeneration of the patient's hippocampus and brain regions responsible for memory, cognition, and emotion, and can also improve the function of the area known as the DMN (Defualt Mode Network), including the medial temporal lobe, medial frontal lobe, and posterior cingulate cortex.

[0115] The second training program may be structured so that the number of weekly performances for each training type varies depending on the level. In other words, the lower the first lifestyle score, the higher the number of weekly performances for each training type may be.

[0116] Referring to Figure 6, the second training program at the basic level consists of a curriculum in which cognitive training is performed twice a week, and episodic memory training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training are performed once a week; the second training program at the core level consists of a curriculum in which cognitive training is performed three times a week, and episodic memory training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training are performed twice a week; and the second training program at the intensive level consists of a curriculum in which cognitive training is performed four times a week, and episodic memory training, physical exercise training, and mindfulness training are performed three times a week.

[0117] Health class training is customized education based on the first lifestyle score, and can be conducted three times a week at the basic level, four times a week at the core level, and five times a week at the intensive level. In other words, compared to the first training program, the second training program can increase the frequency of health class training to enhance the effectiveness of the training.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 7, the processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) can provide a second survey to the user terminal (20) at the end of the second period (S710).

[0119] When the processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) receives a third response to the second survey from the user terminal (20), it can calculate the user's second lifestyle score based on the third response (S720).

[0120] The processor (13) of the customized program providing device (10) can check the change in the user's cognitive ability based on the second lifestyle score (S730).

[0121] When the second period, which corresponds to the middle and later part of the entire training period, ends (i.e., when the entire training is completed), the processor (13) can provide the second survey described in S240 to the user terminal (20).

[0122] The processor (13) calculates the user's second lifestyle score at the time all training is finished based on the third response to the second survey containing the same items, and can confirm the change in the user's cognitive ability through training.

[0123] In other words, since the user's lifestyle habits may have changed as a result of participating in the training program during the first and second periods, a second survey containing the same items is provided, and the responses are received to calculate a second lifestyle score; based on the calculated second lifestyle score, it becomes possible to verify the change in cognitive ability resulting from the user's changed lifestyle habits.

[0124] Additionally, the processor (13) can generate a third training program based on the second lifestyle score and provide it to the user terminal (20). In this way, when training for a specific period is completed, a lifestyle test can be performed to continue the training.

[0125] The flow of the entire training program for improving cognitive ability will be explained below with reference to Fig. 8.

[0126] The level of the user's first training program can be determined based on the dementia risk calculated through the performance of a cognitive test. Referring to Fig. 8, since the user's dementia risk is between 1 and 3, a first training program at the core level was determined. At the end of the first period, a lifestyle test is performed, and the level of the user's second training program can be determined based on the first lifestyle score calculated through this test. Referring to Fig. 8, since the user's first lifestyle score was classified as 'good', a second training program at the basic level was determined. At the end of the second period, a lifestyle test is performed again, and changes in the user's lifestyle and cognitive ability can be verified.

[0127] FIGS. 9a to 9f are drawings for explaining a User Interface (UI) of a service application according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] The training program of the present disclosure may include tasks for performing various types of training content as described above, but may also include tasks for recording the user's daily life. As illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the user may be asked to record daily meals or record nighttime sleep.

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 9c, training content such as exercise videos may be provided during physical exercise training.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 9d, training content such as health columns may be provided during health class training.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 9e, training content such as meditation and breathing techniques may be provided during mindfulness training.

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 9f, training content that requests the performance of a task may be provided during cognitive training. For example, training content that requires connecting numbers in order to form a star shape may be provided.

[0133] The difficulty level of the training content provided for the cognitive training and episodic memory training of the present disclosure may be changed daily (per session). That is, the difficulty level of the training content provided in the next session of the cognitive training and episodic memory training may be determined based on the results of performing the training content provided in the previous session.

[0134] In addition, for cognitive training and episodic memory training, items for intensive training are determined based on the results of cognitive tests and lifestyle tests, and training content related to the determined items can be extracted and included in the curriculum of the first and second training programs.

[0135] Although FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 7 describe the steps being executed sequentially, this is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present embodiment. A person skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs could modify and adapt the steps described in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 7 in various ways, such as changing the order or executing them in parallel, without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Therefore, FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 7 are not limited to a chronological order.

[0136] Meanwhile, in the description above, the steps described in FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3, FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 7 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, some steps may be omitted as necessary, and the order of the steps may be changed.

[0137] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0138] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0139] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. Memory storing at least one process for providing a user-customized program for improving cognitive ability; and It includes a processor that performs operations based on the above process, and The above processor is, A first questionnaire for cognitive testing is provided to a user's terminal, and when a first response to the first questionnaire is received from the user's terminal, the user's dementia risk is calculated based on the first response, and a first training program is provided to the user's terminal for a first period pre-set based on the dementia risk, and at the end of the first period, a second questionnaire for lifestyle testing based on the first response is provided to the user's terminal, and when a second response to the second questionnaire is received from the user's terminal, the user's lifestyle score is calculated based on the second response, and a second training program is provided to the user's terminal for a second period pre-set based on the lifestyle score. Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first survey is, A plurality of items for evaluating the degree of exposure of the user to risk factors for the onset of cognitive impairment, including at least one of the user’s executive function, attention, memory, and visuospatial function, and cognitive ability. Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

3. In Paragraph 1, When the processor provides the first training program, Extracting a first level corresponding to the above dementia risk level among multiple levels, and Providing a training program designed for the above-mentioned first level to the user terminal on a daily basis during the above-mentioned first period, Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above first training program is, Composed of different curricula for multiple training types for the aforementioned multiple levels, Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above second survey is, A plurality of items for evaluating lifestyle for each of at least one dementia risk factor extracted based on the first response among a plurality of dementia risk factors, and lifestyle for a combination of two or more dementia factors. Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

6. In Paragraph 1, When the processor provides the second training program, Extracting the second level corresponding to the first lifestyle score among multiple levels, and Providing a training program designed for the above second level to the user terminal on a daily basis during the above second period, Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above second training program is, It is composed of different curricula for multiple training types for each of the aforementioned multiple levels, and Maintained at the same level as the first training program or changed to a different level according to the first lifestyle score, Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, At the end of the aforementioned second period, the second survey is provided to the user terminal, and When a third response to the second survey is received from the user terminal, the user's second lifestyle score is calculated based on the third response, and Confirming the change in the user's cognitive ability based on the above second lifestyle score, Device for providing user-customized programs to improve cognitive ability.

9. In a method performed by a device, A step of providing a first questionnaire for cognitive testing to the user's terminal; When a first response to the first survey is received from the user terminal, a step of calculating the user's dementia risk based on the first response; A step of providing a first training program during a first period pre-set to the user terminal based on the above dementia risk level; A step of providing a second survey for a lifestyle habit test based on the first response to the user terminal at the end of the first period; When a second response to the second survey is received from the user terminal, a step of calculating the user's first lifestyle score based on the second response; and A method comprising the step of providing a second training program during a second period pre-set to the user terminal based on the first lifestyle score. Method for providing a user-customized program to improve cognitive ability.

10. A computer-readable recording medium that is combined with a computer, which is hardware, and stores a computer program that executes the method of claim 9.

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