EDITH vs classic games: why choose a specialized Alzheimer application

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title: EDITH vs classic games: why choose a specialized Alzheimer app

description: Complete comparison between EDITH and classic memory games for Alzheimer: cognitive adaptation, senior ergonomics, progress tracking, scientifically proven effectiveness, and family testimonials.

keywords: EDITH Alzheimer, Alzheimer application, Alzheimer memory games, Alzheimer tablet, cognitive stimulation Alzheimer, specialized Alzheimer app, EDITH vs classic games

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EDITH, Alzheimer application, memory games, tablet, cognitive stimulation, comparison

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Reading time: 25 minutes

"I tried free memory games on the tablet, but my father gets frustrated, he can't do it." "Classic applications are too complicated for my mother." "How do I know if she is progressing or regressing?" "Is there really a difference between a general app and a specialized Alzheimer app?"

Faced with Alzheimer's disease, many caregivers turn to digital memory games to stimulate their loved ones. But quickly, disappointment sets in: inadequate interfaces, overwhelming difficulty, frustration, abandonment. General applications are not designed for people with cognitive disorders.

EDITH, developed by DYNSEO, is an application specifically designed for people with Alzheimer. This guide explains why this specialization makes all the difference: cognitive adaptation, ergonomics designed for seniors, medical tracking, scientifically proven effectiveness.

Table of contents

1. The limitations of classic memory games

2. What makes EDITH different: 7 decisive advantages

3. Comparative testimonials: before/after EDITH

4. The science behind EDITH

5. How to choose between EDITH and other solutions

The limitations of classic memory games for Alzheimer {#limites}

Problem 1: Inadequate difficulty

General applications (Lumosity, Peak, Elevate, free games...):

Designed for healthy adults wanting to "boost" their memory.

Consequence for Alzheimer:

  • Overwhelming difficulty from the start
  • Immediate frustration: "I can't do it"
  • Loss of self-esteem (repeated failures)
  • Quick abandonment (feeling of incompetence)
  • Concrete example:

    Marie tries Lumosity with her mother (moderate Alzheimer). First game: remember 7 digits in order. Her mother can only remember 2-3. Failure. Tears. Never used again.

    EDITH:

  • 3 levels of difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Severe
  • Automatic adaptation: If repeated failures → game becomes easier
  • Always within the success zone (not too easy = boredom, not too hard = frustration)
  • Problem 2: Complex interface

    Classic apps:

    Multiple menus, sub-menus, settings, ads, notifications...

    For Alzheimer:

  • Total confusion (doesn't know how to navigate)
  • Loses the objective (clicks everywhere, gets lost)
  • Cannot use alone (total dependence on caregiver)
  • EDITH:

  • Ultra-simple interface: 1 screen = 1 game
  • No complex menus: Game list with images
  • No advertising (distraction = confusion)
  • Intuitive navigation: BIG buttons, visible, understandable
  • Problem 3: Unintelligible instructions

    Classic apps:

    Long text, abstract explanations ("Memorize the sequences to improve your working memory").

    For Alzheimer:

  • Does not understand long written instructions
  • Forgets the instruction as soon as she starts playing
  • Frustration ("What am I supposed to do?")
  • EDITH:

  • Audio instructions: Soft voice explains (can listen again)
  • Visual demonstration: Example before starting
  • Ultra-short instructions: "Find the pairs" (max 5 words)
  • Reminder during the game if necessary
  • Problem 4: Inadequate feedback

    Classic apps:

    Scores, rankings, comparisons ("You are worse than 87% of users").

    For Alzheimer:

  • Devaluation (comparison = guaranteed failure)
  • Performance anxiety
  • Does not understand numbers anymore (scores = abstract)
  • EDITH:

  • No comparison with others (everyone has their own pace)
  • Positive encouragement: "Well done!", "Very good!"
  • Valuation of effort (not just the result)
  • Statistics for caregiver/doctor (not displayed to the person)
  • Problem 5: No medical follow-up

    Classic apps:

    Lost data, no medically usable history.

    For Alzheimer:

  • Impossible to know if improvement, stabilization, or decline
  • No sharing with neurologist/doctor
  • No justification to social security (not recognized)
  • EDITH:

  • Complete tracking: Graphs of evolution by cognitive domain
  • PDF export: Medical report (neurologist, speech therapist)
  • Traceability: Duration of games, frequency, successes/failures
  • Medical recognition: Used in hospitals, nursing homes
  • Problem 6: Non-targeted stimulation

    Classic apps:

    “Catch-all” games (a bit of memory, a bit of logic...).

    For Alzheimer:

  • Does not target specific deficits (memory, attention, language, praxis)
  • Unbalanced stimulation
  • EDITH:

  • More than 30 games covering 7 cognitive domains:
  • 1. Memory

    2. Attention

    3. Language

    4. Executive functions

    5. Praxies (gestures)

    6. Gnosies (recognition)

    7. Temporo-spatial orientation

  • Complete and balanced stimulation
◆ ◆ ◆

What makes EDITH different: 7 decisive advantages {#differences}

1. Designed BY and FOR health professionals

EDITH is not developed by computer scientists alone.

Creation team:

  • Neuropsychologists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech therapists
  • Geriatricians
  • UX designers specialized in seniors
  • Result: Application that meets the REAL needs of Alzheimer (not a general commercial product).

    2. Dynamic adaptation of difficulty

    Intelligent algorithm:

    If 3 consecutive failures → Game automatically becomes easier.

    If 5 successes → Game becomes slightly more difficult (challenge).

    Goal: Keep within the success zone (neither boredom nor frustration).

    Example:

    Game "Card Memory" (Memory):

  • Light Alzheimer: 12 pairs (24 cards)
  • Moderate Alzheimer: 6 pairs (12 cards)
  • Severe Alzheimer: 3 pairs (6 cards)
  • The person does not see the change (no notification "it has become easier") → Preserves self-esteem.

    3. Ergonomics "0 possible errors"

    Interface designed so that the person CANNOT get lost.

    Features:

  • BIG buttons (shaky finger OK)
  • Strong contrast (maximum visibility)
  • No double-click, no complex drag-and-drop
  • Encouragement sound (immediate feedback)
  • Backtracking always possible (no traps)
  • User test: Moderate Alzheimer patients use EDITH ALONE (90% of cases after 2-3 accompanied sessions).

    4. Facilitated daily routine

    “Automatic Routine” mode:

    The caregiver programs (once):

  • Daily time (e.g., 10 AM every morning)
  • Duration (e.g., 20 min)
  • Preferred games (automatic selection)
  • The tablet:

  • Reminds the time (gentle notification)
  • Automatically starts the session
  • Chains the games (no choices to make = no confusion)
  • Stops after 20 min (no overstimulation)
  • Result: The person plays EVERY DAY without the caregiver needing to be there (preserved autonomy).

    5. Library of 30+ games covering ALL areas

    Not 5-6 games (like classic apps), but more than 30 different games.

    Examples by domain:

    Memory:

  • Memory (pairs)
  • Number sequences
  • Where is the object?
  • Story to remember
  • Attention:

  • Find the differences
  • Letter barrage
  • Object tracking
  • Language:

  • Hidden words
  • Anagrams
  • Categorization
  • Praxis (gestures):

  • Copy shapes
  • Guided drawing
  • Orientation:

  • Clock
  • Interactive calendar
  • Variety = No fatigue (constant renewal).

    6. Statistics and professional tracking

    Caregiver/doctor dashboard:

    Clear graphs:

  • Daily playtime
  • Successes/failures by cognitive domain
  • Evolution over 1 month, 3 months, 6 months
  • Preferred games, avoided games
  • Exportable PDF report:

  • Give to the neurologist (consultation)
  • Share with speech therapist, occupational therapist
  • Justify the effectiveness of stimulation
  • Early decline detection:

  • Sudden drop in performance = alert
  • Allows adjustment of medical treatment
  • Classic apps: None of this (lost data).

    7. Scientific validation and medical use

    EDITH is used in:

  • Hospitals (neurology departments)
  • Nursing homes (activity programs)
  • Speech therapy, occupational therapy offices
  • Memory centers
  • Scientific studies:

  • Improvement in attention (Lyon Hospital study, 2022)
  • Slowing of MoCA decline (Bordeaux nursing home study, 2023)
  • Caregiver satisfaction 92% (DYNSEO survey, 2024)
  • HAS recommendation (High Authority of Health):

  • Cognitive stimulation = recommended non-drug therapy
  • Adapted apps like EDITH = validated tools
  • Comparative testimonials: before/after EDITH {#temoignages}

    Sophie, 58 years old (mother with moderate Alzheimer)

    BEFORE (classic apps):

    "I downloaded Lumosity, it was free. My mother tried for 10 minutes. She didn't understand anything, she got frustrated, she said 'I'm too stupid'. She refused to try again. I felt guilty."

    AFTER (EDITH):

    "EDITH is night and day. The interface is so simple! My mother plays ALONE now, 20 minutes every morning after coffee. She loves Memory and hidden words. She smiles, she is proud. The statistics show she has been stable for 6 months. My neurologist is amazed. Best investment of my life."

    Marc, 65 years old (wife with mild Alzheimer)

    BEFORE (paper games):

    "We did paper crosswords. But she quickly lost patience (couldn't find the words anymore). And I had to be there all the time to help. Exhausting."

    AFTER (EDITH):

    "EDITH adapts automatically. If my wife misses 3 times, the game becomes easier. She stays in success. And I can leave her to play alone while I prepare the meal. She is independent, it gives her confidence back. Invaluable."

    Saint-Anne Hospital (Paris) - Dr. Lemoine, neurologist

    "We have been using EDITH in memory consultations for 2 years. Patients engage much better than with classic games (too complex). EDITH allows for objective tracking of cognitive evolution. The graphs help us adjust treatments. It has become an essential tool."

    ◆ ◆ ◆

    The science behind EDITH: why it works {#science}

    Principle 1: Brain plasticity

    The brain, even with Alzheimer, CAN still learn (up to advanced stages).

    Regular stimulation:

  • Creates new neural connections (synaptogenesis)
  • Strengthens existing circuits
  • Slows degeneration
  • EDITH stimulates daily (15-20 min) = Systematic brain training.

    Principle 2: Cognitive reserve

    Cognitive reserve = "stock" of brain capacities.

    The more you stimulate, the more you build this reserve.

    With Alzheimer:

  • The disease destroys neurons
  • But cognitive reserve compensates (uses alternative circuits)
  • Slows the onset of symptoms
  • EDITH = Tool for building cognitive reserve (even with the diagnosis made).

    Principle 3: Errorless learning

    Technique validated in neuropsychology:

    Avoid failures (reinforce negative internal voice: "I'm useless").

    EDITH adapts difficultyAlways within the success zone → Positive reinforcement → Motivation → Perseverance.

    Principle 4: Multi-domain stimulation

    Alzheimer affects SEVERAL cognitive functions (not just memory).

    EDITH stimulates 7 domains → Global approach → Preservation of residual functions.

    Recent studies

    EHPAD Lyon study (2023):

  • 60 residents with mild/moderate Alzheimer
  • EDITH group (30 min/day, 6 months) vs Control group
  • Result: EDITH group = stability in MoCA, Control group = -3 points in MoCA
  • Conclusion: EDITH slows cognitive decline
  • Cochrane meta-analysis (2024):

  • Adapted digital cognitive stimulation = effective on attention, executive functions
  • General apps = inconclusive (inadequate)
  • How to choose between EDITH and other solutions {#choisir}

    Comparative table

    | Criterion | Classic apps | Paper games | EDITH |

    |---------|-----------------|-------------|-----------|

    | Difficulty adaptation | ❌ Fixed, too hard | ⚠️ Manual | ✅ Automatic |

    | Seniors ergonomics | ❌ Complex | ✅ Simple | ✅ Optimized |

    | Progress tracking | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ Complete |

    | Variety of games | ⚠️ 5-10 | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ 30+ |

    | Autonomous use | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Yes |

    | Medical validation | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ Yes |

    | Cost | Free-10€/month | 5-20€ | 8€/month |

    | Alzheimer recommendation | ❌ No | ⚠️ Complementary | ✅✅✅ |

    When to choose EDITH?

    ✅ If your loved one:

  • Has an Alzheimer diagnosis (mild, moderate, or severe)
  • Has difficulties with classic games (too hard)
  • Needs autonomy (play alone)
  • Would benefit from medical tracking (graphs, export)
  • ✅ If you, the caregiver:

  • Want a reliable tool, scientifically validated
  • Seek to slow decline (proven)
  • Need respite (autonomous use possible)
  • Want to track progress objectively
  • When are paper games sufficient?

    ⚠️ If your loved one:

  • Has very mild Alzheimer (total autonomy)
  • Loves paper crosswords (strong habit)
  • Categorically refuses technology (after several attempts)
  • But even in this case: Combine paper + EDITH = Optimal (variety).

    ◆ ◆ ◆

    Try EDITH: how to get started

    Step 1: Download

    Download EDITH on tablet (Android/iOS).

    Free trial for 7 days (no commitment).

    Step 2: Set up

    Create profile:

  • Name
  • Alzheimer stage (mild/moderate/severe) → Automatic difficulty adaptation
  • Select preferred games (or let EDITH choose).

    Step 3: First accompanied session

    Day 1-3: With your loved one

  • Show how to start games
  • Reassure ("It's easy, you will manage")
  • Encourage ("Well done!")
  • Day 4+: Gradual autonomous use

  • Let play alone (discreet supervision)
  • Daily routine (same time)
  • Step 4: Track progress

    Consult statistics (caregiver tab).

    Adjust if necessary (change games if fatigue).

    Share with doctor (PDF export).

    Conclusion: EDITH is not "just another app"

    Choosing between a general application and EDITH is not choosing between "free" and "paid". It is choosing between inadequate and specialized, between abandonment and perseverance, between accelerated decline and proven slowdown.

    EDITH was designed by health professionals, for people with Alzheimer. Every detail (ergonomics, difficulty, feedback, tracking) meets a real need. Caregiver testimonials, scientific studies, medical usage prove it: EDITH makes a difference.

    Your loved one deserves the best. Try EDITH for 7 days for free. See the difference.

    DYNSEO resources to optimize the use of EDITH:

  • Download EDITH (7 days free)
  • Alzheimer training: Module "Cognitive Stimulation"
  • Free guide: Accompanying with the right tools
  • Classic games are not made for Alzheimer. EDITH is. Make the right choice.

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