Effectiveness of Brain Training Games Combined with Motivation on Brain Function of the Older Adults in Older Adults Health Promotion Centers Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Lampang

Authors

  • Wipa Iamsumang Jaramillo Faculty of Nursing, Nation University
  • Tayarat Phuttimanee Boromarajonani College of Nursing Nakhon Lampang, Faculty of Nursing Praboromarajchanok Institute
  • Pensri Pongpraphapan Faculty of Nursing, Nation University

Keywords:

Brain training game, Cognitive performance, Memory, Older adults

Abstract

          This one-group pretest-posttest study design aimed to examine the effectiveness of a brain-training game combined with motivational reinforcement in enhancing cognitive performance among older adults at the Elderly Health Promotion Center, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Lampang. A sample of 50 participants was recruited to engage in the intervention, which consisted of a set of brain-training games designed to be diverse and to comprehensively stimulate four cognitive domains. The intervention also incorporated motivational elements through a reward-based system to increase participants’ interest and engagement. The results indicated that the mean total cognitive performance score after the intervention (Mean = 28.61, S.D. = 1.01) was significantly higher than before the intervention (Mean = 25.20, S.D. = 1.17). Notable improvements were observed in memory domains, including registration and recall, as well as in visuospatial ability and executive function. Although the mean score for attention showed an increasing trend, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.157), which may be attributed to the relatively short duration of the intervention.
         Brain-training games are capable of simultaneously stimulating multiple cognitive domains, thereby enhancing overall brain function, including cognition, memory, calculation, and language abilities. In addition, such games provide enjoyment and promote active engagement. When integrated with reward-based conditions, they can further enhance cognitive stimulation, improve memory, and increase participation. Therefore, brain-training games combined with motivational strategies can serve as an effective tool for promoting cognitive function in older adults, preventing cognitive decline, and delaying dependency associated with dementia.

References

Alzheimer’s Disease International. (2023). World Alzheimer report 2023: Reducing dementia risk. https://www.alzint.org/u/World-Alzheimer-Report-2023.pdf

Department of Medical Services. (2021). Manual for developing brain potential in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment for health personnel. Somdej Phra Sangkharat Yanasangworn Institute of Medicine for the Elderly, Sinthawee Printing Company Limited. (in Thai)

Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical Services. (2020). Clinical practice guideline for dementia (full version). Ministry of Public Health.

Kelly, M. E., Duff, H., Kelly, S., Power, J. E. M., Brennan, S., Lawlor, B. A., & Loughrey, D. G. (2017). The impact of social activities, social networks, social support and social relationships on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: A systematic review. Systematic Reviews, 6(1), 259. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-017-0632-2

Li, Y., Li, S., Liu, H., Xu, L., Liao, S., Bao, J., Xi, Y., & Song, X. (2025). Effects of serious games on memory improvement in older adults without obvious cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Games for Health Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2025.0015

Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., … & Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446.

Moonthienthong, A., Bubpa, N., & Jaitieng, A. (2023). The effects of a board game exercise program on cognitive function in older people. [Specify journal or proceedings title if available], 271–283.

Nakruea, C. (2019). The effect of cognitive training games on cognitive performance in the elderly. Journal of Mental Health of Thailand, 27(2), 84–96.

Nguyen, L., Murphy, K., Andrews, S., & Gonzalez, C. (2021). The impact of social engagement and cognitive training on brain health among older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13, 643–657. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.643089

Neurology Institute. (2020). Clinical practice guideline for Dementia. Department of Medicine, Ministry of Public Health.

Neurology Institute. (2020). Guidelines for caring stroke patient. Department of Medicine. Department of Medicine, Ministry of Public Health.

Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. (2021). Population projections for Thailand 2010–2040. https://www.nesdc.go.th (in Thai)

Pantra, W., Hanrop, C., & Klaipeng, T. (2022). Elderly population structure in the northern provinces: A case study of Lampang. Thai Journal of Aging Research, 8(1), 10–19.

Paterson, L., Elliott, R. A., Constantinidou, F., David, R., Dawes, P., Frison, E., Hann, M., Hussain, H., Leroi, I., Politis, A. M., Thodi, C., Camacho, E. M., & SENSE‐Cog Study Team. (2025). The cost-effectiveness of an intervention to preserve independence in people with dementia (vs. no intervention): A decision-analytic (Markov) model analysis. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 40(7), e70132. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.70132

Phrommasorn, R., Chantrasorn, T., & Phoyam, P. (2021). Traditional social games and cognitive functions in Thai elderly. Journal of Health Promotion, 9(2), 33–42.

Siripanich, A. (2018). Situation of the Thai elderly 2017. October Printing Company Limited. (in Thai)

Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis. Appleton-Century. Thammawat, N. (n.d.). Cognitive impairment screening in aging population in Muang district, Lampang Province. Lampang Public Health Office Report.

Udomittipong, D., Channakorn, P., Narongsak, T., & Chimnakboon, N. (2021). Cognitive stimulation for elderly people with mild cognitive impairment. Journal of Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry, 15(1), 62–83. (in Thai)

Wongasa, C. (1996). Effects of training on the self-esteem of 5th grade students [Bachelor of Science thesis, Srinakharinwirot University]. (in Thai)

World Health Organization. (2019). Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550543

Downloads

Published

2026-04-22

Issue

Section

Research Articles