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

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.