Preliminary findings of a gamified language learning for cognitive improvements in older adults

Ageing is often linked to cognitive decline, which can decrease the quality of life for older adults. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a form of dementia that primarily affects older adults, leads to decline in memory, thinking, behaviour, and social skills. Although there is presently no cure for dementia, interventions are being conducted to prevent or delay its onset, particularly during early stages like subjective memory complaints and mild cognitive impairment, as well as in normal aging. This study explores the impact of integrating language learning with a gamified platform to enhance engagement and improve the cognitive functioning (specifically working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility) in older adults. Preliminary findings have been obtained from the data of 12 (out of an intended 80) older adult participants aged 50-80 years. In this study, a commercially-available gamified Spanish vocabulary learning tool is used as a form of cognitive training over 12 weeks. Within each week, participants engaged in 3 sessions, each lasting 30 minutes. Results indicate significant improvements in some aspects of executive functioning: (i) working memory (2-back total hits: p = .006; 2-back proportion of accurate hits per block: p = .046); (ii) inhibition (Stroop total proportion correct: p = .007; Stroop proportion correct for incongruent trials: p = .008); (iii) cognitive flexibility (Arrow Flanker mean reaction time: p = .021; Arrow Flanker mean reaction time for congruent trials: p = .030; Arrow Flanker mean reaction time for incongruent trials: p = .025; Trail Making Test B completion time: p = .005) of older adults who have undergone the gamified language learning intervention. Despite the limitations of preliminary data from only the intervention group and a small sample, the findings are promising to proceed with the full intervention study with the control group.