Serious Games for Seniors With Dementia: A Pilot Study

Dementia, marked by cognitive decline, significantly impacts daily life. With global prevalence rising, traditional treatments manage symptoms but have side effects and offer no cure. Non-pharmacological interventions, like serious games, are gaining importance. This study assesses the feasibility and benefits of serious games for people with mild to moderate dementia over a 10-week intervention. Sixty-one patients were recruited, with 35 completing the study. The intervention included six games focusing on physical and cognitive training. Outcome measures were motor function, cognitive assessments, quality of life, and depression. Results showed significant improvements in dynamic balance (p = .013) but no significant changes in other measures. The findings suggest that serious games are feasible and can improve motor functions like balance. However, short intervention periods may limit their impact on cognitive function and quality of life. Longer interventions and personalized game designs are recommended for greater benefits.