Preliminary findings on the effects of a group-based digital gaming intervention on individuals with early to moderate dementia: a pre- and post-intervention study

Digital gaming is an emerging intervention aimed at slowing disease progression and promoting social connectedness among persons living with dementia (PLwD). However, its effects on cognitive decline and caregiving experiences remain unclear. This study examined the effects of a group digital gaming intervention on cognitive function, mood, and behaviors in individuals with early to moderate dementia, as well as caregivers’ perspectives. A pre–post mixed-methods study was conducted with PLwD attending an adult day health center specializing in dementia care. Eligibility included early- or moderate-stage dementia and ability to attend twice-weekly group sessions. The intervention used Obie Technology, an interactive digital gaming platform delivered in 30-minute group sessions twice weekly over 20 weeks. Participants were grouped by dementia stage (3–5 participants per group) and sessions were facilitated by trained graduate research assistants. Games were selected based on participant preference and adaptive difficulty. Quantitative measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD). MoCA, NPI-Q, and CSDD were collected at baseline, 10 weeks, and end of intervention, whereas the CMAI was collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Due to non-normal distributions, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used. Post-intervention qualitative data were collected through caregiver focus groups and interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Twenty-four participants enrolled in the study. A statistically significant decrease in CMAI physically non-aggressive behaviors was observed; however, no statistically significant changes were found in the other quantitative measures. Qualitative analysis identified six themes: (a) navigating disease progression and health, (b) caregiver stressors relating to family members’ behavior and mood, (c) barriers to determining change due to the nature of dementia, (d) benefits of participating in Obie for clients, (e) benefits of the study to caregivers, and (f) enthusiasm and gratitude for the intervention. Group-based digital gaming was associated with reduced physically non-aggressive agitation, suggesting short-term behavioral benefits for PLwD. Family caregivers reported that the intervention provided opportunities for enjoyment, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement for their loved ones. This study has been retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07541144).