Using Go and Chess to Improve Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive Intervention With Go and Chess in Early and Subjective Cognitive Decline

Not applicable Interventional University of Milano Bicocca · NCT06281652

This study is testing if learning to play Go and Chess can help improve thinking skills and quality of life for people with mild cognitive impairment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Milano Bicocca Academic / other
Locations1 site (Monza, Lombardia)
Trial IDNCT06281652 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates whether learning to play traditional board games, specifically Go and Chess, can enhance cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and subjective cognitive decline. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: one receiving Go classes, another receiving Chess classes, a third receiving both games, and a control group. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of these games on cognition, quality of life, mood, and lifestyle over a 12-week period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline who are willing to participate in board game classes.

Not a fit: Patients with prior knowledge of the game rules, significant sensory impairments, or serious medical comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological approach to improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with mild cognitive impairment.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of board games for cognitive enhancement is a novel approach, similar interventions have shown promise in improving cognitive function in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline
* Willingness to participate in the board games classes
* Living within 20-minute driving distance from the center
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior knowledge of the the game rules (in case the subject knows one of the two, they can be randomized to the other one)
* Significant linguistic or sensory impairment (according to clinical judgment)
* Significant behavioral or psychiatric disturbances (according to clinical judgment)
* Significant medical comorbidities (according to clinical judgment)

Where this trial is running

Monza, Lombardia

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 ImpairmentSubjective Cognitive DeclineCognitive enhancementBoard games
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.