Board Game Intervention to Improve Cognitive and Daily Functioning

Board Game Intervention to Improve Cognitive and Daily Functioning in Elderly People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

With the rapid rise of the aging population, the number of seniors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has increased, and without timely interventions, participants are at high risk of developing dementia. Board games have become a popular tool for cognitive training, but many board games may not be appropriate for seniors and lack the support of empirical research.

Objectives:

To examine the effectiveness of a 12-week board game intervention for MCI seniors in improving cognitive functioning and scores on the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale.

Methods:

A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to collect data from a long-term care facility in central Taiwan. Sixty-eight MCI seniors were recruited and randomized into a board game group (trial group) and a health promotion group (control group). Participants in both groups received a 2-hour intervention once a week for 12 weeks, with the trial group receiving 12 weeks of board games and the control group receiving 12 weeks of health promotion activities. Before and after the intervention, the primary assessment was conducted using the Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam, Contextual Memory Test, and Trail Making Test part-A; the secondary assessment was conducted using the IADL scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 65 years or older without a diagnosis of dementia
• mild neurocognitive impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

• non-national senior citizens
• unable to understand the content and complete the questionnaire
• unable to participate in the full 12-week intervention
• had an acute illness such as a cold during the trial.