Development of Mental Agility Mini-games in a Video Game for Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Innovative Approach in Mental Health
摘要
This study addresses global challenges posed by cognitive aging and disorders like dementia, emphasizing the need for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to enable timely interventions. An innovative approach was proposed using a Unity-based video game incorporating mini-games adapted from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess cognitive functions. The Huddle methodology guided the project through pre-production, production, and postmortem phases. Functionality tests demonstrated effective communication of game objectives, highlighting accessibility for non-gamers and achieving high user satisfaction with visual elements. Players found it easy to interrupt gameplay, indicating a well-designed user experience. Analysis of performance in MoCA-adapted mini-games revealed competence in attention, memory, and abstraction, though perceptions of game difficulty varied among participants. Overall, the video game showed promise in enabling effective early detection of MCI. While further research is necessary to validate its clinical efficacy, preliminary findings suggest that video games can serve as engaging and effective tools for early cognitive assessment. The study's outcomes, including clear communication of objectives, accessibility enhancements, and competent cognitive function evaluation, support the feasibility and potential utility of this innovative approach.