The goal of “Cognigames – Tuning our Brain” project is to allow individuals with multiple sclerosis to utilize and exercise their cognitive skills through screen based digital games, adapted to each individual’s personal profile—his or her abilities, problems, and preferences.

Introduction

Individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis frequently report struggling with cognitive difficulties and deficits due to the disease.

Cognitive functioning refers to a variety of intellectual skills such as attention, memory, understanding, awareness, executive functioning, such as abstraction, problem-solving, flexibility, creativity, planning, organization, and more.

When cognitive functioning is impaired, there are different approaches and methods to address the issue. Therapeutic methods include pharmaceutical treatments as well as additional therapies and exercises such as cognitive therapy and training, which utilize compensation and diversion strategies as well as the use of aids and assistive technology. These methods are generally administered by professionals from fields such as neurology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, and rehabilitative psychology.

In addition, recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle are advised, including learning a new language, maintaining a daily routine replete with cognitive stimuli such as classes, nature walks, and in general, maintaining function as much as possible according to each person’s personal goals.

In the last year, during which we were obliged to stay in our homes for lengthy periods, and to a large extent, disconnected from the environment, the digital channel grew in significance with regard to maintaining cognitive function. Computer games and various applications were a means of relieving loneliness and boredom while providing contact, interest and stimulating curiosity.

The “Cognigames project” is about making digital brain games accessible to people with Multiple Sclerosis. It is important to emphasize that the games do not constitute a substitute for professional therapeutic or diagnostic intervention and are not aimed at improving abilities but offer a digital means for activity and enjoyment.

Project description

Cognigames – Tuning our Brain” will provide online advice for personalized solutions, utilizing Atvisor, an AI-based decision support digital platform that helps people with disabilities and the elderly to find appropriate technological solutions regarding their daily functioning in all aspects of life.

So, how do you participate in the project and begin to play?

1. Enter the link for” Cognigames” on the IMSS website.
2. Transfer directly to the project page on the Atvisor platform (Registration is not mandatory and participation is free.)
3. Select your gender to receive the most relevant options.
4. Choose the profile/character that best describes your cognitive functioning  and other relevant parameters from the five options provided.
   
   1. The profile/character is described in general terms to allow as many people as possible to participate. Therefore, even if only a few elements are descriptive of you   (for example, at least two of the difficulties), one can select this option and see which   games are recommended for it.
   2. You can also select more than one profile/character that suits you and see which games are recommended for each of the profile /characters. Worth a try!
5. After choosing a character/description, you immediately receive recommendations for assorted digital brain games. The links appear on the recommendation page, and you can begin playing right away.
6. The games listed in the recommendations are suitable for PC and mobile phones. That is, if you are logging in through the computer, computer games will appear, and if logging in through the mobile phone, games in the form of Applications will appear. The games for mobile phones are suited to the specific operating system, whether Android or Apple iOS phone.
   
   1. Select whether you are using a computer or a mobile phone. Accordingly, the appropriate games will be accepted.
   2. If a mobile phone is selected – choose whether it is an Android or iOS (Apple) phone.
7. Mobile phone games, which are APPS, should be downloaded as follows:
   
   1. Click on the link to the game, which appears on the recommendations page.
   2. Clicking on the link will take the user to the game’s app page.
   3. Click on the “Download” button on the game page to download it to your mobile phone.
8. Entering games through the computer must be done as follows:
   
   1. Click on the link to the game, which appears on the recommendations page.
   2. Clicking on the link will take the user to the game page on the specific site itself –   Start playing.
   3. The procedures for downloading and entering the games are usually simple user-friendly, allowing for a good gaming experience.
   4. In addition, detailed instructions will be provided on the site for each type of game – computer or mobile phone & further support can be obtained by contacting the IMSS
   5. Family members can also be assisted if necessary.
   6. Game downloads are unlimited on all devices.

Important Notes

1. All information is available in both English & Hebrew – in the near future we hope to add Arabic & Russian. 
2. The connection between the profile/character and the appropriate games is related to the description of the person’s challenges. Understandably, reading a list of challenges is not pleasant. Every person is a whole world unto his/herself, comprising a plethora of characteristics, shades, abilities, and difficulties. The focus on challenges is for the purpose of finding the most appropriate games that will allow the most enjoyment as well as using the thinking process.
3.  The games selected for this project will be free of charge to ensure they are accessible to all users.
4.  During the Games, pop-up ads may appear. This is common with free software. At the same time, the games chosen for the project, which include pop-ups, were selected with minimal distraction in terms of location, frequency, and design.
   If a particular game contains pop-up ads that significantly affect your ability to play- please inform us. Contact the IMSS and forward your feedback to the WhatsApp number: 972-50-7436743 or email: agudaims@netvision.net.il
5. It is possible to upgrade games for a fee. This is at the sole discretion and responsibility of the individual and done directly through the APP store or the game site itself.
   Atvisor and the IMSS are not party to or responsible for any upgrades or fees.
6. You can create a personal profile (character) for each user, in addition to the general profile/character offered in the project. To create a personal profile/character, click on the button: “Register for the Atvisor platform.” This registration allows you to build a personal profile according to one’s individual difficulties and needs and to receive recommendations for aids and assistive technology relevant to various areas of life such as bathing, eating, mobility, and more. This registration is not necessary and is not required for the purpose of experimenting with “Cognigames – Tuning the Brain.“
7. Professional assistance can be provided free of charge to help users create their personal profiles or answer any questions regarding the games or the platform. Select the option: “To consult an expert” on the project’s page on the platform.
8. All personal information will remain confidential and will not be passed on to any private, commercial, or other entity by ATVISOR & IMSS except for information such as name, telephone, and email of the members registered for the project, which will be stored on the Atvisor site and forwarded to: The Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society (AR) for Support and follow-up.
9. The use of links to sites or external products other than ATVISOR & IMSS is the sole responsibility of the user.
10. For further questions and inquiries, you can contact the IMSS at the WhatsApp number: 972-50-7436743 or by email: agudaims@netvision.net.il.
11. Atvisor and the Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society (AR) do not provide medical advice or other therapeutic guidance. The purpose of the project is solely for stimulation and enjoyment and does not guarantee cognitive improvement. For the full Atvisor usage policy: please click here.
12. The information entered on the Atvisor website as part of its use complies with the information privacy and information security standards ISO27001 and ISO29977 (medical information security). For more information, it is recommended that you review Atvisor’s privacy policy: please click here.

“…we do not stop playing because we grow old,
we grow old because we stop playing” 

George Bernard Shaw