From the Research
Video Games and Dementia Prevention
- The current evidence on the effectiveness of video games in preventing dementia is mixed and limited by methodological shortcomings 1, 2, 3.
- Some studies suggest that video games may have a positive effect on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, particularly in areas such as attention, memory, and executive functions 1, 4.
- However, other studies have found no significant difference in cognitive function between video game interventions and other interventions, and the evidence is not strong enough to support the use of video games as a preventative measure for dementia 3, 5.
- The use of video games as a therapeutic tool for dementia prevention is still a topic of debate, and more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and limitations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Key Findings
- A meta-analysis of 9 studies found a significant effect of video games on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations 1.
- A systematic review of 16 studies found no superior effect of brain gaming compared to other interventions on global cognitive function, but the study quality was modest and the results were heterogeneous 3.
- Another study found that game-based interventions may alleviate mood or behavioral disorders and increase social interactions, which could potentially contribute to delaying the onset of dementia 4.
- A review of 15 studies found that computerized cognitive training, including commercially available "brain games," may modestly benefit aspects of cognition and mood in patients with mild cognitive impairment, but there is no direct evidence that it can prevent dementia 5.