To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of video games in assessing and treating dementia symptoms, and whether they plan to fund research in this area.

The Department delivers research into the prevention, treatment and care for dementia via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This includes a feasibility study to develop an online video game and test whether it can screen, diagnose, and distinguish between people with early or late-phase Alzheimer’s disease and people without dementia. NIHR-funded research, through the START trial, a three-minute computerized cognitive training program, has also led to the development of an online tool shown to improve attention, memory and problem-solving in older adults.

The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including dementia. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made based on the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.