Online games to increase social connection for people with mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Evaluating Online Gameplay Intervention to Support Social Engagement in Older Adults With and Without Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Run by Emory University · NCT07296133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try whether playing easy online versions of common games three times a week can reduce loneliness in adults aged 50–85 with or without mild cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 124 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07296133 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are English-speaking adults aged 50–85 who live independently, have adequate vision and hearing, can use the online OneClick platform, and score above 17 on the MoCA-Blind, with the MCI subgroup having a clinical MCI diagnosis, MoCA-Blind 18–25 and FAQ < 9.
✕Probably not a fit
People whose cognitive impairment is due to stroke, TBI, or other non-neurodegenerative causes, those with major recent psychiatric illness, recent substance abuse, current psychoactive medication use, or medical conditions preventing participation are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants will be assigned to begin a 12-week remote gameplay program immediately or to a 12-week waitlist before starting gameplay. The program uses the OneClick online platform to deliver specially created versions of familiar games (for example, Connect 4 and Uno) and asks participants to play at least 15 minutes, three times per week. Study staff will make weekly support calls during both waitlist and intervention periods and participants will complete questionnaires at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks to track social engagement and loneliness. The platform was designed with older adults in mind and the long-term goal is to provide an easy-to-use remote socialization option for older adults with MCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a low-burden, remote way to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows social and game-based programs can reduce loneliness in older adults, but remote gameplay specifically targeted to people with MCI is relatively novel and evidence is still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 * FAQ \< 9 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 it's running
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Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kayci Vickers, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kayci Vickers, PhD
- Email: kayci.lynne.vickers@emory.edu
- Phone: (404) 712-4849
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.