The first therapeutic game specifically designed and evaluated for Alzheimer's disease

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2008;23(6):540-51. doi: 10.1177/1533317508323570. Epub 2008 Nov 10.

Abstract

The first therapeutic game specifically developed for Alzheimer's disease was evaluated on an NIH grant. It was hypothesized that the game would have a positive influence on factors influencing quality of life (eg, mood, pleasure, interest in activities) and family comfort level in visiting. The study used a single group, within-participants, design, and 2 control conditions including a family visit as usual. The Observed Emotion Rating Scale for assessing individuals with Alzheimer's disease was administered with a questionnaire for the family to provide their own evaluation. Reduction of signs of depression/sadness using the game were statistically significant. An increase in patient pleasure was highly significant (P < .0001). Increases in patient interest, patient satisfaction, and family member satisfaction were all highly significant (P < .0001). The qualitative appeal of the game to family members was very high. The game provides a meaningful one-on-one intervention for individuals with advanced dementia.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Affect / physiology
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Dementia / psychology
  • Dementia / therapy*
  • Depression / therapy
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotherapeutic Processes
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Psychotherapy / standards
  • Quality of Health Care / standards
  • Quality of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome