Board Games Are Being Used To Battle Dementia 

Written by George Chrysostomou

Board Games Are Good For You

A lot of research and work has gone into preventing dementia, but there’s still so much more that we don’t know about the disease. Regardless of the funding available, there are breakthroughs to be made, but some of those developments may come from unexpected places. Indeed, in Japan, tabletop game creators are coming up with new ways to keep the mind active and thus in some small way, test players without relying on specific knowledge. 

It’s all about accessibility, and the titles in development can be played by anyone, at any age, regardless of their limitations. And this isn't just an independent effort. Not only are multiple companies working on this solution, but the local government has also backed the plans, offering support where needed to give these games every chance of success. 

It’s certainly not a new phenomena, with games being used across the world in the fight against dementia. While here in the west, video games have often been a source of potential, with care homes bringing in consoles to keep their residents active, in Japan, this cheap and novel solution has the potential to go global. 

The Mechanics 

For a game to be able to work in this capacity, it needs simple mechanics that anyone can understand. One title, called NOH MY GOD, which comes from the Tokyo-based Kodansha Creators’ Lab, bases its gameplay entirely on gestures. Players are tasked with conveying the topic on a card with three different gestures. The player making those gestures must wear a mask, so that the judgment is based entirely on their physical movement, helping people with reading body language. This is also a great game for those struggling to verbally communicate.

Shoyeido Incense Co. by comparison, which is located in the heart of where these developments are taking place, Kyoto, is relying on an entirely different sense to help push players. They are using scented cards, asking players to match the different smells with one another to create sets. It's again a game which has easy to understand rules and does not have any barriers to entry with older players. What’s more, it triggers a different kind of response, often forming a link with memories based on the scent experienced. 

Japanese Tradition

What’s so beautiful about these games, many of which have only recently been developed, is that they also tap into Japanese tradition. So, while they might have a global appeal, they are culturally significant to those battling dementia in the country itself. From imagery of temples and demons, and scents inspired by classic Japanese cooking, these games are designed to continue to draw from the memory of the player. 

It’s exciting to think what benefits this may have for future generations, and how these games can be culturally adapted around the world. While they might not provide an absolute solution, they are certainly useful in the continuation of much-needed study, and could have all kinds of applications down the line. 

If you’d like to know more about these games, you can visit the official websites right now. And to learn more about dementia and its impact, Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society can provide support.