PAVE: Planning Assessment in a Virtual Environment for Evaluating Executive Functions in the Elderly

The Planning Assessment in a Virtual Environment for Evaluating Executive Functions in the Elderly (PAVE) project aims to develop a VR- and AI-powered tool for the assessment of cognitive planning. By combining the data analysis from AI-based methods with the data collection performed in a safe VR environment, this tool will be able to precisely identify and measure early signs of cognitive decline, overcoming the limitations of traditional neuropsychological tests. This dual-technology approach creates a protective, standardized environment where cognitive assessment becomes both more accurate and less stressful for elderly participants, potentially revealing early biomarkers of cognitive decline months or years before they manifest in everyday functioning. By establishing personalized cognitive baselines and tracking subtle performance changes over time, PAVE represents a transformative step toward earlier intervention and more targeted cognitive rehabilitation strategies, ultimately supporting extended independence and improved quality of life for aging individuals.