Q&A with Henry, CTO, Co-Founder: Creating Mobile Cognitive Games for Dementia Prevention
- pathverse
- Jan 25
- 3 min read
At Pathverse, we’re all about empowering researchers to develop innovative digital health solutions, and one of our most recent projects involves developing mobile cognitive games that are intended to help prevent dementia. Behind this effort is our brilliant CTO and co-founder, Henry La.
We sat down with Henry to hear more about the development of mobile cognitive games. Here’s what he had to say!
Can you tell us more about the project behind the mobile cognitive games you have been developing?
We’re developing mobile cognitive games as part of a Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention for cognitive assessment and dementia prevention. It’s a collaborative effort with researchers at the University of Victoria. The goal is to create fun, real-time assessments and interventions that are easy to use and can actually make a difference in delaying or even preventing dementia.
That sounds fascinating! What inspired the development of these games?
We were really inspired by all the research showing how cognitive training and assessments can help maintain brain health as we get older. The problem is, traditional methods can be pretty time-consuming and not super accessible for everyone. So, we thought, why not make it easier and more fun? That’s where the idea of mobile games came in... They’re engaging, convenient, and something people can actually fit into their daily routines.
Can you tell us more about the specific types of games you’re developing?
Definitely! We’re focusing on memory games and speed processing games. For memory, we’ve got games where you have to remember sequences of objects or details... Kind of like testing your short-term recall and working memory. For speed processing, we’ve designed these fast-paced challenges where you spot patterns or make quick decisions under pressure. The idea is to keep things fun and engaging while also targeting the key cognitive skills that help keep your mind sharp.
How does the JITAI approach enhance this intervention?
JITAI stands for Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention, and it’s such a game-changer. Instead of sticking to generic assessments at set times, it uses real-time data to offer personalized support. For example, if someone shows signs of cognitive decline while playing a game, the system might suggest extra exercises or recommend lifestyle changes that fit their specific needs. It’s all about giving the right support exactly when it’s needed.
What makes these cognitive games unique compared to other tools on the market?
What makes these games stand out is their adaptive nature and solid scientific foundation. They’re not just about having fun... They’re built on evidence-based practices to really challenge key cognitive areas like memory, attention, and problem-solving. And with input from experts at the University of Victoria, we’re making sure they’re aligned with the latest research in cognitive health.
How will these games impact users and researchers?
For users, these games are a fun and interactive way to keep an eye on and improve their cognitive health. They get tools to help stay mentally sharp and even potentially delay cognitive decline. For researchers, it’s a goldmine of real-time data that can uncover patterns in cognitive health and show how effective different interventions are. It’s a win-win for everyone!
And finally, when can we expect to see these cognitive games in action?
We’re planning to launch the first version of the platform later this year, and we couldn’t be more excited! We can’t wait to get these tools out into the community. Stay tuned, it’s going to be awesome!
As we continue to develop and refine these cognitive games, we’re excited about the potential they have to make a real difference in cognitive health and dementia prevention. By combining engaging gameplay with evidence-based interventions, we’re creating tools that are not only fun but also effective in supporting mental acuity. Thanks to our collaboration with experts at the University of Victoria and the ongoing feedback from users and researchers, we’re on track to bring something truly innovative to the table.
A huge thanks to Henry for taking the time to chat with us and share his insights. We’re thrilled to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see the impact these games will have!