Exercogs®: augmented-reality exergaming to help prevent dementia
Exercogs®: Efficacy of a Multidomain Digital Therapeutic Solution for Preventing Cognitive Decline in Adults Aged ≥55 With Modifiable Risk Factors - Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will try an augmented-reality exergaming program called Exercogs® to see if it helps adults 55 and older with at least one modifiable dementia risk factor maintain or improve thinking, physical fitness, and social engagement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Value for Health CoLAB Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sintra) |
| Trial ID | NCT07530315 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, controlled, assessor-blind, parallel-group, multicenter trial enrolling 150 community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older with at least one modifiable dementia risk factor. Participants are randomized 1:1 to a 24-week, thrice-weekly supervised Exercogs® intervention or an active control, with each session lasting 60 minutes. Exercogs® combines augmented reality, gamification, and tailored cognitive and physical tasks to deliver multidomain training alongside social engagement features. The trial will measure feasibility, safety, and effects on cognitive and physical outcomes compared with an active control.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older with at least one modifiable dementia risk factor who can attend supervised 60-minute sessions three times per week for 24 weeks and can provide informed consent (or have a representative provide consent).
Not a fit: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of dementia, severe neurological or unstable medical conditions, or those unable to participate in regular supervised sessions or use AR technology are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Exercogs® could slow age-related cognitive decline while improving physical fitness and social participation for at-risk older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Large multidomain trials such as FINGER, MAPT, and preDIVA have shown benefits from multicomponent prevention approaches and smaller exergaming or computerized training studies are promising, but AR-based, fully integrated programs like Exercogs® remain relatively novel and less extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 55 years or older * Presence of ≥1 modifiable risk factor according to the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care (2024): low education, untreated hearing or visual loss, hypertension, obesity, smoking, depression, physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes, social isolation, excessive alcohol consumption, history of head trauma, air pollution exposure, high LDL/dyslipidemia; additional social and structural determinants, including poverty, income inequality, wealth shocks, and HIV, that may also contribute to risk (Mostert et al., 2025); * Ability and willingness to participate in 60-minute sessions, three times per week, during the 24-week intervention period; * Ability to provide written informed consent, or, in cases of reduced decisional capacity, provision of consent by a legally authorized representative. Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia; * Severe neurological disorder or unstable medical condition that may interfere with participation; * Sensory or language deficits that would prevent understanding of instructions or safe participation; * Current participation in another interventional study that may confound outcomes (e.g., cognitive training, physical exercise, or multidomain rehabilitation); * Previous experience with Exercogs®.
Where this trial is running
Sintra
- Irmãs Hospitaleiras - Casa de Saúde da Idanha — Sintra, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carla Pombo — Irmãs Hospitaleiras | Sintra
- Study coordinator: Carla Pombo (Coordinator Nurse and Principal Investigator)
- Email: carla.pombo@irmashospitaleiras.pt
- Phone: +351 214 339 400
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.