Psychiatry Investig.
2024 May;21(5):449-456. 10.30773/pi.2023.0308.
Effects of Serious Games in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 2Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 3Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- 4Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- 5Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- KMID: 2555853
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2023.0308
Abstract
Objective
The rising prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has spurred interest in innovative cognitive rehabilitation approaches, including serious games. This review summarizes randomized clinical trials (RCTs) exploring the impact of serious games on MCI patients.
Methods
We conducted a comprehensive data search using key terms such as “gamification,” “digital therapy,” “cognition,” “mild cognitive impairment,” and “Alzheimer’s disease.” We exclusively considered published RCTs, excluding animal studies and basic research.
Results
We identified eight RCTs. Four RCTs examined the effects of serious games using cognitive training for MCI patients. Notably, one study found that non-specific training (Nintendo Wii) significantly enhanced cognitive function and quality of life compared to cognition-specific computer training (CoTras). Among the remaining three RCTs, one specifically demonstrated that personalized serious game-based cognitive training yielded superior cognitive outcomes and reduced depressive symptoms. One RCT focused on serious games incorporating physical exercise, highlighting the effectiveness of kinetic-based exergaming in enhancing overall cognition. Three RCT focused on combined cognitive training and physical exercise. A double-blind RCT revealed that progressive resistance training or standalone physical exercise outperformed the combined approach in improving executive function and global cognition. Two additional RCTs reported positive outcomes, including improvements in cognitive function and electroencephalogram patterns associated with game-based interventions.
Conclusion
Serious games, whether focusing on cognitive training, physical exercise, or a combination of both, have potential to improve cognitive and functional outcomes in individuals with MCI. Further research and standardization of protocols are needed to better understand the full potential of serious games in MCI.
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