Dementia involves a progressive decline in cognitive function. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training, are being explored to help manage these symptoms. Computerized cognitive training, often delivered through video games, represents a promising and engaging method. Research investigates whether the interactive and complex nature of digital games can be harnessed to maintain or improve mental capabilities in individuals dealing with dementia and related conditions.
The Theory Behind Digital Cognitive Stimulation
The theoretical foundation for using video games in cognitive health rests on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself. This biological mechanism allows the brain to form new neural connections and strengthen existing ones in response to novel, complex, and stimulating experiences. Challenging the mind through continuous learning and problem-solving helps to drive this process of adaptation.
Cognitive reserve refers to the mind’s ability to cope with brain damage by utilizing existing neural networks more efficiently or recruiting alternative brain pathways. Engaging in mentally demanding activities, such as playing video games, is thought to help build this reserve. Digital cognitive stimulation aims to provide a highly concentrated and enjoyable form of mental exercise that demands high levels of attention and rapid processing.
How Video Games Engage Specific Cognitive Domains
Different types of video games place demands on distinct mental skills. Games requiring fast reflexes, such as action or speed-based puzzles, primarily engage processing speed. These games force players to make quick decisions and respond rapidly to visual stimuli, training reaction time and alertness. Studies show that training with non-action video games can lead to improvements in choice reaction time and attention in healthy older adults.
Strategy or simulation games heavily tax executive function, which involves planning, organizing, and multitasking. These complex challenges require players to manage multiple resources simultaneously and adapt their strategy, stimulating the prefrontal cortex involved in strategic planning. Many games also demand the constant use of working memory, the system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information. Tracking scores, objectives, and in-game resources serves to train this aspect of cognition, though improvements are not consistent across all domains.
What Current Research Says About Effectiveness
Current scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of video games for dementia is promising, yet mixed. Some studies, particularly systematic reviews, have found that serious games and computerized cognitive training can lead to moderate improvements in global cognition and psycho-social functioning for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving people with MCI or dementia suggested that “brain gaming” was not significantly more effective than control interventions in improving overall cognitive functions.
Specific types of training have shown more concrete results, such as “speed of processing” exercises, which have been linked to a 29% lower chance of developing dementia over a 10-year period in a large randomized clinical trial. This suggests that the type of cognitive skill targeted is highly important. For individuals already diagnosed with dementia, the effects are less consistent, though some evidence points to positive impacts on mood or behavioral disorders and increased social interactions. A central limitation in the research is “transferability”—whether improved skills in the game translate to better performance in real-life, everyday activities.
Choosing and Introducing Games Safely
Implementing video games as a cognitive activity requires careful selection and a thoughtful approach to minimize frustration and maximize engagement. The chosen games should feature intuitive controls and clear instructions to ensure a smooth learning curve, especially for individuals with little to no prior gaming experience. It is helpful to select games that align with the person’s interests or past hobbies, which can enhance their motivation to play consistently.
The games themselves should be low-stress, highly accessible, and offer an option to adjust difficulty levels, allowing the user to start with simpler challenges and progress at their own pace. Games that trigger motion sickness should be avoided, and virtual reality (VR) experiences should be introduced cautiously. Proper setup is also important, including ensuring a comfortable seating arrangement and an adequately sized screen to reduce eye strain. Sessions should be paced appropriately, keeping them short and enjoyable to prevent cognitive overload, and supervision is recommended to offer encouragement and help navigate any potential technical difficulties.