The effects of video games on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of video-game-based interventions in enhancing global cognitive function and executive functioning among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Medline, covering all publications available up to October 12, 2025. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 17.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials were ultimately included, comprising approximately 215 participants. Meta-analytic findings revealed that, compared with control conditions, video-game interventions significantly improved global cognition, reflected by increases in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (MD = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.27-3.90, P < 0.0001) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (MD = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.79-2.80, P = 0.0005). Executive function and attentional performance also showed marked enhancement, evidenced by substantial reductions in completion time on the Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) (SMD = -1.38, 95% CI: -1.73 to -1.04, P < 0.00001) and Trail Making Test B (TMT-B) (SMD = -3.50, 95% CI: -6.03 to -0.98, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Video-game-based interventions appear to meaningfully enhance both global cognitive function and executive functioning in individuals with MCI. However, the limited number of included studies underscores the need for future research to establish standardized intervention protocols and incorporate extended longitudinal follow-up.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024539189, identifier: CRD42024539189.