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Computer-assisted Intervention using Touch-screen Video Game Technology on Cognitive Function and Behavioural Symptoms for Community-dwelling Older Chinese Adults with Mild-to-Moderate Dementia - Preliminary Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study explored the potential benefits of a computer-assisted intervention using touch-screen videogame technology on cognitive function and behavioural symptoms in older adults with mild-tomoderate dementia. Methods: A randomized-controlled-trial is being conducted comparing a videogame training and a conventional cognitive training. Until January 2015, 32 community-dwelling older Chinese adults (mean age 83y, range 70-99y, 69% women) with mild-to-moderate dementia were randomly assigned to the videogame training (intervention group n=16) or the cognitive training (control group n=16). The intervention group performed a computer-assisted training encompassing 4 videogames using touch-screen interfaces for 30 minutes/session, 1-2 sessions/week for a total of 8 sessions; the control group performed a matched training encompassing 4 cognitive activities for same amount of time. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in game performance, Montreal Cognitive Assessment language sub-score, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) total and distress scores, while the control group showed improvement in activity performance and NPI distress score (all P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly improved Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total score and verbally aggressive sub-score (both P<0.05). Conclusions: Touch-screen videogame training can alleviate behavioural symptoms in older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia. Its efficacy to improve cognitive and other related functions warrants further investigation.