Therapeutic Efficacy of Categorical Language Fluency Smartphone Game Application

The Categorical Language Fluency Smartphone Game Application was developed based on the semantic distance training, which was effective in improving categorical language fluency of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's dementia. 10 patients with mild cognitive impairment and another 10 patients with mild Alzheimer's dementia were recruited to examine therapeutic efficacy of the application.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged above 55
• Confirmed literacy

• Diagnosed to mild cognitive impairment by International Working Group on Mild Cognitive Impairment and Clinical Dementia Rating(CDR) of 0 or 0.5.
• Diagnosed to possible or probable Alzheimer's dementia by NINCDS-ADRDA and Clinical Dementia Rating(CDR) of 1 or below.

Exclusion criteria

• Evidence of delirium, confusion
• Any neurological conditions causing cognitive decline such as Parkinson's disease, brain hemorrhage, brain tumor, normal pressure hydrocephalus
• Evidence of severe cerebrovascular pathology
• History of loss-of-consciousness over 1 hour due to head trauma or repetitive head trauma of mild severity
• History of substance abuse or dependence such as alcohol
• Presence of depressive symptoms that could influence cognitive function
• Presence of medical comorbidities that could result in cognitive decline