How ableX Helps Dementia
ableX has helped people with Dementia improve their focus and co-ordination after less than 10 hours of using ableX therapy games.
Preliminary Research Findings
By Jenny Drury-Ruddlesden, PhD Student. Supervised by Dr Kay de Vries and Dr Kathy Nelson.
Funded by the Callaghan Innovation Fund. Mentored by Im-Able Ltd.
Florence - 83 year old female
Often lost and wandering. 2013 diagnosed with Vascular Dementia (mild) and relocated to residential unit. 2014 unsteady and exaggerated gait but mobile with stick Independent of Activities for Daily living (ADL) but was losing Instrumental ADLs.
Before Therapy
After less than 10 hours therapy*
Outcomes
Improved Mobility
Improved hand-eye-body coordination, with significantly improved posture, gait and mobility, allowing her to extend her usual walking space from 200m to 800m without resting.
Improved Self-Esteem
Improved self-esteem and confidence that
extended beyond the gaming room.
Alana - 86 year old female
Often lost and wandering, family concerned for safety. 2013 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (moderately severe) and relocated to rest home care in 2014 Independently mobile. Needs assistance with ADLs.
Before Therapy
After less than 10 hours therapy*
Outcomes
Improved Motor Skills
Improved hand-eye coordination, that translated in every day life in that she re-learnt how to use cutlery and to self-feed. This further translated to this underweight lady gaining weight.
Improved Mobility
Alana was less restless and more settled.
Conclusions
Improved Coordination
It can be concluded that improved handeye coordination and improvement in some non-cognitive symptoms of Dementia were the results of playing computer games with ableX.
Significant Benefits
Irrespective of the stage of Dementia, significant benefits can be achieved through either individual or small group assisted computer gaming therapy.
Partnering for Success
Gaming in partnership is key to success. The gaming partner can be anyone with an interest in the wellbeing of person with dementia.