Jigsawdio — a multisensory puzzle to support people with Alzheimer's and related dementias

Evaluating the Health Benefits of Jigsawdio: A Novel Multisensory Jigsaw Puzzle-based Intervention for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · CALLAHAN-YOUNG LLC · NIH-11183908

This project offers a personalized audiovisual jigsaw puzzle called Jigsawdio to help people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias improve thinking, mood, and relaxation.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCALLAHAN-YOUNG LLC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RALEIGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11183908 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would use an easy-to-handle jigsaw puzzle that plays personalized photos, stories, and music when pieces are put together to create meaningful moments. The device is low-tech and designed so caregivers or facility staff can customize puzzles for each person. Earlier work included a six-week pilot and interviews with people living with dementia, caregivers, and staff to learn what felt helpful. The next phase builds on those findings to test the puzzle in more people and gather measurable information about cognitive and emotional effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people living with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who can engage with simple puzzles and benefit from personalized photos, music, or caregiver support.

Not a fit: People with very advanced dementia who cannot attend to or manipulate puzzles, or those with severe uncorrected vision or hearing loss that prevents using the device, may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, Jigsawdio could boost mental sharpness, lift mood, and reduce stress or agitation by giving personalized, engaging activities.

How similar studies have performed: Early pilot work and qualitative interviews reported promises like improved focus, emotional well-being, and relaxation, but larger controlled studies are still needed.

Where this research is happening

RALEIGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, Alzheimer's disease or related dementia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.