Effect of Brain Training Game on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in Older Adults

Abstract

Aim: To determine effects of Kinect- based games on neurocognitive functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methodology: A quasi experimental pre-post trail was conducted on 18 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) older adults. The subjects were recruited to access cognitive impairment through purposive sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were elderly aged ≥ 50 years, both genders, able to read and write, whereas older adults with severe cognitive impairments, neurological disorders and un controlled comorbidities were excluded. Brain training was provided for 30 minutes with 5-minute warm-up time and 5-minute cool-down time for 6 weeks. Blind assessor measured readings at baseline and after six weeks. The outcome measures were Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Trail making test A & B and verbal fluency test (Semantic &Phonemic). The data was analyzed at baseline and after six weeks of intervention Results: Significant improvements were observed in post-test measurements (p <0.05) in MMSE, MoCA, TMT A & B and verbal fluency (Semantic &Phonemic) tests after 6 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Kinect-based virtual reality games are beneficial in improving cognitive abilities of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Keywords: Cognitive training, Mild cognitive impairment, Montreal Cognitive Assessment