Cognitive Function Evaluation and Rehabilitation by a Digital Game: MentalPlus®

Cognitive dysfunction is a frequent adverse event in the postoperative period, especially in elderly patients. The tests commonly used for the detection of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are time-consuming, which limits routine use. Consequently, there is a limitation to adopting measures to increase preoperative cognitive reserve and rehabilitation of POCD. That situation incentivizes searching for alternative diagnosis methods to overcome that limitation. Digital games have potential neuromodulator effects and have been used as an alternative to psychotherapeutic treatment. However, the tests used to detect postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are time-consuming, making it difficult to implement routine screening measures. This presents a challenge for increasing preoperative cognitive reserve and rehabilitating POCD. Researchers are exploring alternative diagnostic methods, such as digital games, to address this challenge. Digital games have potential neuromodulator effects and are an alternative to psychotherapeutic treatments and cognitive rehabilitation. This study aims to validate MentalPlus®, a digital game, as a tool for cognitive assessment, POCD evaluation, and POCD rehabilitation-habilitation of mental skills. It is hypothesized that a digital game could replace the usual neuropsychological tests for detecting POCD.