An Open Platform of Serious Games for Cognitive Intervention

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Dementia
• Alzheimer Disease
• Aging

Interventions

DEVICE

VibrantMinds

VibrantMindVibrantMinds offers five tablet games targeting cognitive stimulation in older adults: Whack-A-Mole, Word Search, Bejeweled, Mahjong Solitaire, Memory Game, and Glenrose Grocery Game (GGG). These games vary from nostalgic (e.g., Mahjong Solitaire) to leisure-oriented (e.g., Bejeweled), aiming to blend fun with cognitive exercises. Especially designed for ease of use, they cater to older individuals, including those with dementia, gradually increasing in difficulty to match player skill levels. The GGG stands out by integrating game design with everyday cognitive tasks, offering a practical simulation of grocery shopping. Developed with older adult input, VibrantMinds aims to enhance cognitive health in seniors through engaging, meaningful gameplay, supporting its clinical trial's focus on cognitive wellness in the aging.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Alberta Health services

  collaborator OTHER

• CapitalCare

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Alberta

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DEVICE_FEASIBILITY

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-08-03

Primary Completion

2026-02-01

Completion

2026-02-01

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations