An Evaluation of the Effects of Active Game Play on Cognition, Quality of Life and Depression for Older People with Dementia

Publication Name

Clinical Gerontologist

Abstract

Objectives: This pilot study was intended to evaluate the effects of active game play on cognition, quality of life, and depression for older people with dementia. Methods: Thirty-eight older people with dementia were recruited. Eighteen people received eight-week active game play using Xbox 360 Kinect. Twenty people received their usual care. The Mini Mental State Examination, Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia were used to measure the outcomes. Results: The results showed that there was no significant improvement on the mean scores of Mini Mental State Examination (P =.252), however, the active game play increased the mean score of Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease (P =.005), and reduced the mean score of Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (P =.001) in comparison with the usual care group. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the active game play was effective in improving quality of life and alleviating depression in older people with dementia. Clinical Implications: Findings highlight the potential for gaming as a non-pharmacological interventions for older people with dementia.

Open Access Status

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2021.1980170