Tablet Games for Dementia

Overseen By Mathieu Figeys, PhD, RN

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alberta

Disqualifiers: Influenza, COVID-19, English comprehension, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

122 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Computer games are increasingly utilized as tools for studying cognitive skills, aging, individual differences, and development. They offer a unique advantage by presenting challenges that more closely mirror the complexities and demands of everyday tasks compared to traditional laboratory experiments, clinical tests, and standardized assessments. Our team took an innovative step in this direction by developing a suite of tablet-based games, titled VibrantMinds. These games, varying in type, are designed to measure diverse cognitive indicators, acting as proxies for assessments typically conducted using paper-and-pencil tests in clinical settings. VibrantMinds games have been specifically crafted to be user-friendly and engaging for older adults, including those with dementia. Our studies have shown that these individuals not only find the games accessible but also exhibit measurable improvement in gameplay, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive skill training. Building on this foundation, we are now poised to conduct an in-depth investigation into the actual effectiveness of serious computer games (SCGs) for cognitive enhancement and their application in real-world settings for older adults. This next phase of research will leverage the VibrantMinds platform to carry out studies aimed at validating software-defined indicators of cognitive function and measuring the impact of game-based interventions on cognitive abilities, health-related quality of life, and other significant real-life outcomes. The anticipated results promise to expand our understanding of the potential for new technologies in cognitive assessment and intervention. Moreover, by employing machine learning analysis of the data collected through VibrantMinds, we aim to develop a taxonomy that correlates game complexity and player performance with conventional clinical instruments for assessing cognitive status and functioning.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is it safe for humans to use tablet games for cognitive stimulation?

Research on tablet games for cognitive stimulation in older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment, suggests they are generally safe and well-tolerated. Participants in studies often found the games enjoyable and easy to use, with no significant safety concerns reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the VibrantMinds treatment different from other treatments for dementia?

VibrantMinds is unique because it uses tablet-based cognitive games to engage people with dementia, offering a fun and interactive way to potentially improve cognitive function and mood. Unlike traditional treatments, it focuses on using technology to provide personalized and meaningful activities that can be tailored to individual needs and abilities. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment VibrantMinds, VibrantMinds Suite, Tablet-Based Cognitive Games for dementia?

Research shows that computerized cognitive training, like tablet-based games, can modestly improve memory and mood in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, although there's no direct evidence they prevent dementia. ^{1 4 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults experiencing cognitive challenges due to conditions like Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment, or general aging. Participants should be able to engage with tablet-based games and are looking for new ways to assess and potentially enhance their cognitive skills.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 65 years old or older.

I can use and interact with a cognitive game platform.

Cognitive impairment within a specific range as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE scores between 7 and 25)

Exclusion Criteria

I currently do not have flu, COVID-19, or any other contagious virus.

Inability to communicate or comprehend instructions in English

I do not have major issues with my arms, sight, hearing, or focus that would stop me from participating in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage with the VibrantMinds games alongside standard care to assess cognitive enhancement

12 weeks

Average 2 sessions per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for cognitive function and other outcomes post-treatment

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• VibrantMinds

Trial Overview The study tests 'VibrantMinds,' a series of tablet-based games designed as an innovative approach to measure and improve cognitive functions in older adults. The effectiveness of these serious computer games will be evaluated against traditional assessments.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: VibrantMinds + Standard Care Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Older adults at long-term care facilities receive the VibrantMinds games in addition to routine standard care administered by the facility and staff.

Group II: Standard Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Older adults at long-term care facilities receive routine standard care administered by the facility and staff.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials

957

Recruited

437,000+

Alberta Health services

Collaborator

Trials

168

Recruited

658,000+

CapitalCare

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

120+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The FindMyApps tablet intervention was found to be useful and easy to use for individuals with mild dementia, helping them discover and engage with apps for self-management and meaningful activities, although they often required support from their informal carers.

While no significant differences were observed in outcome measures, qualitative feedback suggests that FindMyApps has the potential to enhance self-management abilities and engagement in activities for people with dementia, warranting further evaluation in future studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled feasibility study of FindMyApps: first evaluation of a tablet-based intervention to promote self-management and meaningful activities in people with mild dementia. Kerkhof, Y., Kohl, G., Veijer, M., et al.[2022]

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who participated in the TECH program reported high satisfaction and engaged in a median of 22.6 hours of self-training over 5 weeks, indicating that the program was well-received and motivating.

Although participants did not show significant cognitive improvements as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, higher satisfaction levels were strongly correlated with greater objective cognitive changes, suggesting that enjoyment and engagement in cognitive activities are important for older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Experiences of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment from Cognitive Self-Training Using Touchscreen Tablets. Shamir, D., Loubani, K., Schaham, NG., et al.[2023]

A scoping review of 17 studies on electronic brain gaming interventions for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia found that most studies (12 out of 17) reported improvements in cognitive outcomes, suggesting these games can be beneficial for brain health.

The interventions lasted between 4 to 24 weeks, with an average duration of 8.4 weeks, indicating that even relatively short-term engagement with brain games can have positive effects on cognitive function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonimmersive Brain Gaming for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review. Sood, P., Kletzel, SL., Krishnan, S., et al.[2021]

Computerized cognitive training (CCT), including commercially available 'brain games', may lead to modest improvements in cognitive functions like episodic memory and mood in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), based on a review of 15 studies.

Despite these improvements, there is no evidence that 'brain games' can prevent dementia, highlighting the need for caution when discussing their effectiveness with patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Doctor, Should I Use Computer Games to Prevent Dementia? O'Shea, DM., De Wit, L., Smith, GE.[2020]

Cognitive games designed for elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment were successfully developed and tested, focusing on various cognitive functions such as memory and attention.

Participants aged 65-80 were able to engage with these tablet-based games independently over a 47-day period, reporting positive experiences that suggest these games can effectively promote active ageing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and Evaluation of Cognitive Games to Promote Health and Wellbeing in Elderly People with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Scase, M., Kreiner, K., Ascolese, A.[2018]

A review of 83 mobile apps for elders with Alzheimer's and related dementias revealed that many apps focus on activities like games, music, and memory training, but often require high cognitive and physical abilities, such as eye-hand coordination.

To enhance engagement and positive experiences, it's important to adopt a person-centered approach when designing and selecting apps, considering the individual variability in cognitive and functional abilities among users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In Quest of Tablet Apps for Elders With Alzheimer's Disease: A Descriptive Review. Tak, SH.[2023]

A study involving 16 participants aged 65 and older showed that older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) found physical activity apps like Sworkit® and 7-Minute Workout® easy to use and enjoyable, with 100% of participants smiling while playing these games.

In contrast, cognitive training apps were less engaging, with only 35% of participants smiling, indicating that physical activity apps may be more appealing and effective for this population, highlighting the importance of user feedback in app development.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Usability of Physical Activity and Cognitive Training Applications in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Smith, L., Argentina, V.[2021]

The Stim'Art tablet application, designed for cognitive stimulation, was well-received by 15 elderly participants over a six-month period, showing significant increases in daily usage time and the number of game launches.

Participants demonstrated improved success rates in the games and reported enhanced well-being, suggesting that serious games can effectively support cognitive function in older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adoption and Use of a Mobile Health Application in Older Adults for Cognitive Stimulation. Yasini, M., Marchand, G.[2022]

The FindMyApps selection tool was developed through a user-participatory design process, involving collaboration between people with mild dementia, their caregivers, and experts, ensuring the tool meets the specific needs and abilities of its users.

Initial testing in iterative 'sprints' revealed important insights for improving the tool's usability, focusing on meaningful content and intuitive design, which are crucial for helping users select appropriate apps for managing their lives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

User-participatory development of FindMyApps; a tool to help people with mild dementia find supportive apps for self-management and meaningful activities. Kerkhof, Y., Pelgrum-Keurhorst, M., Mangiaracina, F., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled feasibility study of FindMyApps: first evaluation of a tablet-based intervention to promote self-management and meaningful activities in people with mild dementia. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Experiences of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment from Cognitive Self-Training Using Touchscreen Tablets. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonimmersive Brain Gaming for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Doctor, Should I Use Computer Games to Prevent Dementia? [2020]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and Evaluation of Cognitive Games to Promote Health and Wellbeing in Elderly People with Mild Cognitive Impairment. [2018]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In Quest of Tablet Apps for Elders With Alzheimer's Disease: A Descriptive Review. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Usability of Physical Activity and Cognitive Training Applications in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment. [2021]

8. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adoption and Use of a Mobile Health Application in Older Adults for Cognitive Stimulation. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

User-participatory development of FindMyApps; a tool to help people with mild dementia find supportive apps for self-management and meaningful activities. [2023]