Effect of Video Games on Cognitive Performance and Problem-Solving Ability in the Aged with Cognitive Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Background: Mild cognitive impairment is a common aging phenomenon, and the absence of problem-solving abilities significantly contributes to memory decline. This study aimed to investigate the effect of video games on cognitive performance and problem-solving ability in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.

Methods: In 2023, a double-blind, randomized clinical trial was done on mild cognitive impairment aged randomly divided into control and intervention groups with permuted blocks randomization. The participants in the intervention group played selected smartphone video games thrice a week for 12 weeks, but the control group did not do any intervention. Mini Mental Status Examination and Problem-solving Questionnaire were completed before, 8 weeks after the start, and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. Statistical tests were done at the significance level considered less than 0.05 and analyzed in SPSS version 16.

Results: The mean±SD age of the 60 elderly participants who finished the study was 71.43±2.59. The mean±SD scores of cognitive performance and problem-solving ability improved in the intervention group (25.18±0.93 and 21.15±1.36) but worsened in the control group (19.43±0.76 and 13.72±1.98) (P<0.001). Before the intervention, no significant difference was observed between both groups in cognitive performance and problem-solving ability. However, there was a significant difference 8 weeks after the start and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Playing video games thrice a week for 12 weeks can improve cognitive performance and problem-solving ability in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment. This approach is suggested for implementation.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20211110053030N2.