淺談失智症遊戲

Dementia is typically classified into mild, moderate, and severe stages based on symptom severity. Prevention and early diagnosis is one of the care goals for dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between the cognitive changes of normal aging and dementia. Initiating an appropriate treatment regimen and methods at a sufficiently early stage has been shown to be effective in postponing the onset of dementia. Previous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments in improving the cognitive functions, reducing the onset of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and training the physical functions of daily living in patients diagnosed with MCI. Game therapy, in addition to reminiscence therapy, music therapy, cognitive training, cognitive stimulation, and aromatherapy, is one of these non-pharmacological treatments. Moreover, game therapy may be used as a tool to screen individuals for symptoms of dementia. Using easily accessible, user-friendly, and affordable games, patients with dementia and their caregivers may receive their therapy in a more relaxed and enjoyable manner. Patients and their caregivers who perceive a prescribed therapy as a game are expected to exhibit higher motivation to use, which should result in better treatment outcomes. This paper will introduce and compare several games for people with dementia, providing valuable information for caregivers and healthcare professionals who are responsible for caring for patients with dementia.