BERLIN, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- German scientists are developing virtual reality (VR) games as a treatment for people with neurological diseases, dementia in particular, with government funds of 1.9 million euros (2.19 million U.S. dollars) over three years, the University of Hamburg announced on Thursday.

Scientists from the university's department of informatics planned to develop three VR exercise games for neurological disease treatments in a joint project called EXGAVINE.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding the project.

Under this project, scientists plan to develop racing games that stress patients' motor and cognitive abilities, for example, games where players can steer a motorcycle by shifting his or her body gravity. The aim is to improve the quality of life of those affected and to reduce the progression of the disease.

Apart from VR goggles that represent a computer-generated environment, EXGAVINE's scientists also want to equip the patients with wearables such as bracelets, belts or rings, which contain additional sensors to record the movement and the course of therapy.

Studies have already shown that computer-based brain training improves cognitive performance, and computer games can boost people's multitasking abilities, according to the University of Hamburg statement.