Exergaming as meaningful activity for people with dementia: Evaluation of effect and implementation

Exergaming is a meaningful activity in which physical exercises are combined with cognitive stimulation in a gaming environment. It is feasible for people with dementia and can help overcome barriers to stay active. This study aimed to get insight into the effects of exergaming in people with dementia visiting day-care centres and their family caregivers compared to usual activities in day-care centres. Also, issues in implementation of exergaming were assessed. Twenty day-care centres participated with in total 112 couples of people with dementia and informal carers. Positive effects were found on cognition and social functioning in people with dementia and on stress and burden of family caregivers. Exergaming was much appreciated among persons with dementia, family caregivers and staff of the day-care centres. On the basis of this study, it has been recommended to offer exergaming in a person-centred manner for people with dementia and to include our recommendations for the implementation of exergaming in daily practice.