“Escapad” Dance Serious Game: Designing a Therapeutic Tool for Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The care of elderly people with neurodegenerative diseases leading to cognitive disorders and dementia represents a major health issue. In this context, serious games (SGs) can improve cognitive functions efficiently. Exergames can boost cognitive functions such as attention and memory. In this population, negative feelings can be exacerbated by inadapted technological design. The aim of this study is to design and evaluate an adapted exergame named Escapad for older adults suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). As part of preliminary study, two versions of Escapad were used with both therapists and MCI patients, who rated version 2 as more adaptable. Hence, we have implemented Escapad to stimulate several cognitive domains in elderly people with MCI who have a depressive tendency. Our results showed a significant improvement in visuospatial abilities/executive functions (p = 0.033), temporo-spatial orientation (p = 0.048) and a significant reduction in depression (p = 0.033). Technical aspects and game use are discussed in this paper.