EXERGAMES, VIDEO GAMES, AND COGNITIVE TRAINING IN DEMENTIA AND MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The study of older adults with dementia syndromes and their care is a topic widely discussed in universities and among researchers in the health field. The present study aimed to analyze exergame and video game activities in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), highlighting their effects on cognitive functions, mobility, and attention, promoting a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. Conceptually, exergames are defined as electronic games that require the user’s active body movement in a virtual environment, integrating playful entertainment with physical exercise practice. This is an integrative literature review conducted through the analysis of studies published between 2021 and 2026, including randomized clinical trials, study protocols, and observational studies. The articles included in the study demonstrated a positive impact on rehabilitation and cognition through the use of home-based exergames, immersive virtual reality, cognitive smartphone games, and telerehabilitation programs. The benefits identified were numerous, especially regarding executive functions, memory, balance, mobility, attention, and reduction in the fear of falling. It was observed that digital games, such as video games and exergames, provide functional and cognitive benefits to older adults undergoing these interventions. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of digital games associated with physical exercise demonstrates relevance in the neurocognitive rehabilitation of older adults; however, further studies are needed for the incorporation of this practice into the public health system reality.