Gamification technique to estimate mini mental state examination scores: A validation study

Abstract

Current cognitive screening methods are less interactive, costly, time consuming and require trained staff to perform the task. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the validity of a freely available game-based instrument for the self-assessment of cognitive function. We conducted a cross-sectional observational clinical study on 47 participants who were 18 years or older, diagnosed with neuromedical illnesses, and without physical and psychiatric illness. The result showed that a total, 25 females and 22 males between the ages of 18 and 78 years were included. Our assessment tools included the MMSE conducted and scored by physicians and the Holey Moley freely available game. Participants received instructions and brief practice prior to the assessment. The actual assessment was conducted after the hands-on practice, and MMSE and game scores were recorded. MMSE scores ranged from 9-30 with 12 participants classified as having impaired cognition. The Holey Moley game scores ranged from 7-113. Our experiment results showed a normalised root mean square error of 8.1% between the actual and estimated MMSE scores. There was a significant positive correlation between MMSE and game score (r= 0.92, P <0.01). The feely available Holey Moley game is a promising instrument for cognitive screening in clinical settings. This work demonstrates the feasibility of utilising games for cognitive screening in a health care environment.