SCGs as a Proxy for Determining the Cognitive Status of Older Adults

Recruiting

• Conditions: Mild Cognitive Impairment; Healthy Aging; Dementia; Cognitive Decline; Alzheimer Disease
• Interventions: Other: VibrantMinds

• Registration Number: NCT06367231
• Lead Sponsor: University of Alberta

Brief Summary

Detecting memory problems early is crucial for treating conditions like Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which often leads to dementia. Currently, doctors use tests in clinics to check for these issues. However, there's a growing need for better methods to monitor our cognitive skills over time. Computer games emerge as a cost-effective solution for assessing the brain functions of older adults.

In our study, we are investigating the potential of computer games to reflect the cognitive skills of older adults. We developed the VibrantMinds platform, featuring five games: Whack-a-Mole, Bejeweled, Mahjong Solitaire, Word Search, and Memory Game. We have evaluated these games for ease of use, enjoyment, and their impact on brain functions. Now, our goal is to determine whether these games can offer valuable insights into the cognitive skills of older adults.

We are collecting demographic data, game-playing data, and cognitive test results. Our analysis will determine the correlation between game data, cognitive test outcomes, and demographic information. Additionally, we will assess both the perceived and observed engagement of older adults as they play the games.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-03-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-04-11
• Study First Posted: 2024-04-16
• Study Start: 2024-05-01
• Status Verified: 2024-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-06-20
• Last Update Posted: 2024-06-24
• Primary Completion: 2025-05-01
• Study Completion: 2025-07-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 58

Inclusion Criteria

• Reside in Calgary and/or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• sufficient English language skills to converse in English with research staff

Exclusion Criteria

• Moderate or severe limitations in the control or movement of the upper extremity (e.g., severe arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis)
• Visual and hearing impairments
• Attention deficit

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Serious Computer Game Intervention	VibrantMinds	Older Adults (healthy), Older adults with MCI, older adults with dementia Each participant will undergo three sessions, spaced one week apart. These sessions will take place either at locations that support the research team's activities or at the participants' homes, offering flexibility to accommodate individual circumstances. The format of these sessions can vary, being either group-based or individual. Each session is designed to last approximately one hour, with a maximum duration of 90 minutes to ensure thoroughness without overwhelming participants.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cognition - Global	At each session (3 sessions total, once per week, one week apart)	The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief 30-point test used to screen for cognitive dysfunction in areas including memory, language, visuospatial skills, executive functions, attention, concentration, and orientation. A score of 26 or above is considered normal. Lower scores suggest potential cognitive impairment.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cognition - Executive Function	At each session (3 sessions total, once per week, one week apart)	Trail Making Test, Part A and B. The norms and average completion times for the Trail Making Test (TMT) Parts A and B can vary significantly based on age, education, and the specific population being tested. However, general guidelines can provide some insight: TMT Part A: Average completion times for adults can range from 20 to 40 seconds. Younger adults and those with higher levels of education tend to complete Part A more quickly. Completion times increase with age.; TMT Part B: This part is more complex and typically takes longer to complete, with average times ranging from 50 to 120 seconds.
Game Performance	Obtained during each game (game played at each session, once per week, one week apart)	Level, Accuracy, Time
Cognition - Global	At each session (3 sessions total, once per week, one week apart)	The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used 30-point questionnaire that assesses cognitive function, including orientation, recall, attention, calculation, language, and basic motor skills. A score of 24 or above typically indicates normal cognitive function, while lower scores suggest possible impairment.
Game Engagement	At each session (3 sessions total, once per week, one week apart)	Self-reported questionnaire of engagement and engagement indicators

Trial Locations

Locations (8)

Edmonton Life Long Learners; 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research; 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Shepherd's Care Foundation; 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

St. Michael's Long Term Care Centre,; 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Tofield Health Centre; 🇨🇦 Tofield, Alberta, Canada

Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories; 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

CapitalCare Corporate Services; 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Sherwood Care; 🇨🇦 Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada