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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®
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*Alzheimer's Disease
*Dementia
*Memory
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The First Therapeutic Game Specifically Designed and Evaluated for Alzheimer's Disease

Gene D. Cohen, MD, PhD

Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, The George Washington University, Kensington, Maryland, GENCOWDC{at}aol.com

Kimberly M. Firth, PhD

Optimal Healing Environments, The Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia

Sue Biddle, BFA

GWU Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, Washington, DC

Michael J. Lloyd Lewis, MA

Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Samuel Simmens, PhD

Biostatistics Unit, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC

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.

Key Words: Alzheimer's disease • cognitive impairment • memories • therapeutic game • psychosocial intervention

This version was published on January 1, 2009

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®, Vol. 23, No. 6, 540-551 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1533317508323570
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