Interactive Gaming Research

In 2022, thanks to support from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Insight Memory Care Center added interactive gaming technology to our day programs. The Obie for Seniors system uses a projector and motion sensors to turn walls, floors, and tables into interactive gaming centers, making it accessible to use for all of our participants from early to late stage.

The Obie for Seniors platform is designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Each virtual game is research-based utilizing published studies and medical advice to encourage movement, cognitive agility, and social interactions. The system is accessible to use by all participants, regardless of their abilities, and provides staff with feedback on the users level of engagement. This interactive system provides an innovative way for our participants to engage in high quality, activity play-based experiences and consequently feel better about their physical capabilities and improve their willingness to communicate.

From our initial use of the system, we noticed right away that late stage participants were getting more exercise by engaging their arms and legs with images projected on the floor. We could also see the social benefit, as participants could play games collaboratively or in friendly competition!

Research Study

While we could see the benefit of the system at our center, in 2023 we were fortunate to connect with Dr. Megumi Inoue, Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at George Mason University. She proposed a research study to examine the effects of the gaming system on cognitive function, mood, and behaviors for those living with dementia. Her project received funding from Virginia’s Alzheimer’s and Related Disease Research Award Fund (ARDRAF), and after recruiting participants from our early stage Reconnections program and our Day Center, the study began in November 2023 with 24 participants and their care partners.

The study used a mixed methods approach, with a pre-test and post-test to examine the effects of the interactive gaming system on cognitive function, mood, and behaviors in individuals with early or moderate-level dementia over 20 weeks. Standardized measurements were used to assess participant’s mood, behavior, and cognitive function at the baseline, the end of week 10 and at the conclusion of the study. Additionally, family care partners participated in focus groups on the impacts of the gaming system.

Preliminary Results

The study identified positive impacts of the interactive gaming system for individuals living with dementia, particularly in reducing agitation and enhancing social engagement. Of the standardized assessments used, the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) showed a significant reduction in agitation among the participants living with dementia from baseline to post-test. This was similarly found in care partner focus groups, as baseline interviews highlighted daily challenges with providing care, while seeking to meaningfully connect with their loved ones. The focus groups conducted during the post-intervention phase showed positive caregiver views from the study at the conclusion. Care partners indicated positive trends in navigating the disease progression, stress-levels, and benefits of participating in the study.

Initial findings from the study were presented at the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, and additional presentations are scheduled with the Gerontological Society of America’s annual meeting. Dr. Inoue plans to explore future funding options to support the continuation of the study, and we welcome the opportunity to partner again!

This research is spotlighted in our 40th Anniversary Annual Report. Take a look and learn more!