Using computer games to assess cognitive skills in older adults

Serious Computer Games as a Proxy for Determining the Cognitive Status of Older Adults

Observational University of Alberta · NCT06367231

This study is testing if fun computer games can help check how well older adults, especially those with memory issues, are doing with their thinking skills.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment58 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Edmonton, Alberta and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06367231 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study explores the effectiveness of computer games as a tool for assessing cognitive skills in older adults, particularly those with Mild Cognitive Impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. The VibrantMinds platform features five engaging games designed to evaluate brain functions while being enjoyable for participants. Researchers will collect demographic data, game-playing data, and cognitive test results to analyze the correlation between game performance and cognitive status. The aim is to establish a cost-effective method for monitoring cognitive decline over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults residing in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, who can communicate in English.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe limitations in upper extremity control, significant visual or hearing impairments, or attention deficit may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an innovative and accessible way to detect cognitive decline early in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of computer games for cognitive assessment is a growing field, this specific approach using the VibrantMinds platform is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mild Cognitive ImpairmentDementiaAlzheimer DiseaseHealthy AgingCognitive DeclineSerious computer gamecomputer gamesVibrantMinds
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.