Access+ & ADI 2026
When science supports accessible play for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Asmodee took part in the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) Conference in Lyon, a major global event dedicated to research, care, and innovation in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Our asmodee Access+ team was present on-site to showcase a selection of games from the asmodee catalogue that can offer benefits for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as well as Access+ games that have been developed for people with cognitive disorders, in collaboration with researchers and healthcare professionals
Asmodee Access+ highlights how many existing games, with their inherent play value and some simple adaptations, can support well-being, social connection, and cognitive engagement. The Access+ range is one part of this broader approach: tools designed with experts, but meant to be used in everyday, inclusive play settings.
By drawing on scientific evidence, Access+ ensures that its recommendations and game selections are relevant and adapted to the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Scientific insights behind Access+ recommendations
During a scientific session titled “Board games as tools for cognitive stimulation and social engagement in older adults with dementia”, Thomas Franco Pinto (asmodee / Game in Lab) and Prof. Philippe Robert (Université Côte d’Azur / Créapolis) presented international research conducted with Dr. Rachel Wu and Isadora Farias Lopes de Queiroz (University of California, Riverside).
They shared findings on how board games can act as non-pharmalogical tools that support cognitive, emotional, and social well-being, and help strengthen connections between players and caregivers. These insights directly inform the Access+ approach: game selection, facilitation guidelines, and simple adaptations are shaped by this research to make play as accessible and beneficial as possible, while keeping the focus on enjoyment and inclusion.
A game booth for caregivers and professionals
Visitors, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and caregivers, were able to:
- Discover games and discuss how to adapt them to different profiles and abilities
- Explore how to integrate play into daily routines in care homes, day centers, and at home
- Learn how simple adjustments (rules, pacing, visual support, group size) can make a real difference for players with dementia
These conversations reinforced a key message: when games are thoughtfully selected and supported by research, they become powerful tools for engagement, connection, and quality of life.
Games as tools for connection and well-being
Our presence at ADI 2026 is a strong reminder of the role games can play beyond entertainment. Board games are not only leisure activities; they can also serve as tools for connection, cognitive and emotional stimulation, and well-being for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
This event reflects the ambition of asmodee Access+: to connect science, health, and play to promote inclusion and quality of life, in care settings as well as in everyday environments.
