NCT07296133 · Emory University
GAMES Intervention in MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)
What this study is about
The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether online, remote gameplay can facilitate social engagement and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
View original scientific description
The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether online, remote gameplay can facilitate social engagement and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Online Gameplay Intervention
-The online gameplay intervention includes playing online versions of common games (such as Connect 4 and Uno) with a partner, 3 times per week for at least 15 minutes, for 12 weeks. All games will be delivered via a novel online platform (OneClick; developed by PotLuck, LLC) created specifically to support and enhance social engagement with family members and close friends. * Participants will receive weekly calls from study staff to provide support and briefly query about social activities that week. * They will not receive reminders or be contacted by the study outside of the weekly phone calls, apart from mid intervention questionnaires.
BEHAVIORAL
Waitlist control
\- Participants will be informed that study team will contact them once per week by telephone for 12 weeks, to ask about social activities they completed in the week prior.
Primary outcome measures
Change in friendship Scale score
Time frame: Pre-intervention (Baseline), week 6 and post-intervention (week 12)
The scale consists of 5 core items, each with a 5-point frequency response (Almost always to Not at all). Total possible score range is 5-25. Higher scores indicate greater feelings of social isolation (worse study outcome).
Change in UCLA Loneliness Scale score
Time frame: Pre-intervention (Baseline), week 6 and post-intervention (week 12)
This is a self -report scale with 20 items. Participants rate each item on a 4-point Likert scale: (1 = Never, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often). Total possible score ranges from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater perceived loneliness (worse study outcome).
Change in Neuro-QOL score
Time frame: Pre-intervention (Baseline), week 6 and post-intervention (week 12)
Neuro-QOL ("Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders") consists of a scale designed to measure health-related quality of life across a variety of neurological conditions. The abbreviated form comprises short forms (8-10 items each) covering 13 key domains: physical, mental, and social health. Response format for each item ranges from "Never" to "Always" or severity levels like "None" to "Cannot do". Scores are summarized and represented with T-scores (mean = 50, SD = 10), derived from their respective calibrated item questionnaire. Higher scores correlate with worse outcome.
Change in meaning and purpose score
Time frame: Pre-intervention (Baseline), week 6 and post-intervention (week 12)
This scale measures an individual's sense of meaning, purpose, and life satisfaction. Includes 8-9 items in the short form, with statements like "My life has meaning" or "I have a sense of purpose," rated on a 5-point (from 1=never to 5=always). Scores are expressed as T-scores (mean = 50, SD = 10). Higher scores represent better outcome (more positive well-being).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 50 to 85 years old
- Living independently (note: can live in assisted living, but must have independently complete daily activities)
- Fluent in English
- Adequate visual and auditory acuity to see/hear computer screen
- MoCA-Blind (converted to MoCA score) \> 17 Additional Criteria for MCI Group:
- Existing diagnosis by HC professional
- MoCA-Blind (converted to MoCA score) of 18-25
Exclusion criteria
- Cognitive impairment secondary to stroke, TBI or other neurological cause without concern for neurodegenerative condition (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, etc.)
- Medical illnesses that would prevent participation
- Major psychiatric disturbance meeting DSM V criteria in last year
- Hx of substance abuse within last two years
- Current psychoactive med use
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 22, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations