Online Gameplay for Mild Cognitive Impairment
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether playing games online (Online Gameplay Intervention) can reduce loneliness and increase social connection, particularly for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition affecting memory and thinking skills. Participants will either begin the game-based program immediately or after a 12-week waiting period. Suitable candidates should live independently, have MCI diagnosed by a healthcare professional, and not experience cognitive issues from other conditions like a stroke. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance social connections for those with MCI.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any current psychoactive medications to participate in this trial.
What prior data suggests that this online gameplay intervention is safe for adults with mild cognitive impairment?
Research has shown that playing online games is generally safe for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Studies have found that these games can improve thinking skills and daily activities in older adults and may also reduce feelings of depression. Participants in these studies reported no major safety issues.
One study examined esports for people with dementia and MCI and found no serious problems related to playing these games. However, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits.
Overall, participants have well-received playing online games. It appears to be a safe and enjoyable way to encourage social interaction and keep the mind active.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the online gameplay intervention for mild cognitive impairment because it offers a novel approach to maintaining brain health. Unlike traditional treatments that may involve medications or cognitive therapies, this method leverages engaging online games to stimulate the brain. The intervention is designed to be accessible, with participants receiving brief educational sessions and ongoing support through technology, making it easy to integrate into daily life. This approach not only aims to enhance cognitive function but also promotes social interaction, which is an important factor in supporting mental health.
What evidence suggests that online gameplay is effective for reducing loneliness and isolation in adults with mild cognitive impairment?
Research shows that playing online games can benefit people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this trial, participants in the Online Gameplay Intervention Group will engage in digital games. Studies have found that these games can boost thinking skills, improve mood, and enhance the quality of life for older adults with MCI or mild dementia. A review of multiple studies found that these digital activities can improve mental abilities in middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, serious games have increased social interaction and reduced loneliness. Overall, early findings suggest that playing these games can support brain health and encourage social connections.13567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kayci Vickers, PhD
Principal Investigator
Emory University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 50-85 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), fluent in English, living independently, and able to see/hear a computer screen can join. They must have a MoCA score of 18-25 and be capable of daily activities without assistance. Those with medical conditions preventing participation, recent substance abuse, stroke-related impairments, major psychiatric issues or on psychoactive meds cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Waitlist Control
Participants in the waitlist control group will wait for 12 weeks before beginning the gameplay intervention
Gameplay Intervention
Participants engage in online gameplay 3 times per week for 12 weeks to support social engagement
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in social engagement, isolation, and loneliness
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Online Gameplay Intervention
Trial Overview
The study is testing if playing games online can help adults feel less lonely and more socially engaged. It includes those with MCI and compares active participants against a waitlist control group to measure the impact on social interaction and cognitive health.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will receive: * brief (\< 10 minutes) psychoeducation about the importance of engaging in social activities to support cognitive stimulation and brain health * Participants will be notified that study team will receive weekly phone calls to ask about social activities they completed in the week prior. * Following completion of the 12-week waitlist period, participants will repeat the baseline questionnaires to evaluate for change over time. * After completing the waitlist condition, they will be offered the opportunity to complete the gameplay intervention.
Participants will receive: * brief (\< 10 minutes) psychoeducation about the importance of engaging in social activities to support cognitive stimulation and brain health * technology session to show them how to access games via OneClick * participants will receive weekly calls from study staff to provide support and briefly query about social activities that week. * A subset of questionnaires will be re-administered after 6 weeks of the intervention to capture any change occurring at intervention mid-point. * Following completion of the 12-week intervention, participants will repeat a subset of baseline questionnaires to evaluate for change over time.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Emory University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Citations
Effectiveness of online‐based cognitive intervention in ...
ICT‐based cognitive intervention had a positive effect on cognitive function, depression, and quality of life in older adults with MCI or mild dementia.
GAMES Intervention in MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)
The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether online, remote gameplay can facilitate social engagement and reduce feelings of ...
Effectiveness of digital interventions in middle-aged and ...
Effectiveness of digital interventions in middle-aged and older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized ...
4.
psychiatryinvestigation.org
psychiatryinvestigation.org/m/journal/view.php?doi=10.30773/pi.2023.0308Effects of Serious Games in Older Adults With Mild ...
This review summarizes randomized clinical trials (RCTs) exploring the impact of serious games on MCI patients.
Effects of virtual reality-based interventions on cognitive ...
The findings indicate that VR interventions can significantly improve global cognition, attention, and quality of life in individuals with MCI.
Esports Interventions for Dementia and Mild Cognitive ...
Current evidence is insufficient to support esports as a therapeutic approach for dementia or MCI. Although participants consistently ...
Effects of Electronic Serious Games on Older Adults With ...
This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of digital SGs in improving cognitive ability, enhancing daily behavioral capacity, and alleviating depression in ...
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