The first therapeutic game specifically designed and evaluated for Alzheimer's disease.
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.
Cohen
Gene D
GD
Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, The George Washington University, Kensington, Maryland 20895, USA. GENCOWDC@aol.com
Firth
Kimberly M
KM
Biddle
Sue
S
Lloyd Lewis
Michael J
MJ
Simmens
Samuel
S
D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome