Using technology and robotics to help older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Official title: A Socio-Technological Intervention in Community-Based Healthcare for Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment (DHEAL-COM-MCI)
Run by Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani · NCT06984367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using a tablet with brain games and a social robot can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment feel better and slow down their memory decline.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ancona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06984367 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment who meet specific cognitive assessment criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant mobility issues, severe cognitive impairment, or certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This intervention aims to slow cognitive decline and improve the well-being of elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a combination of cognitive stimulation and socio-technical tools. The study will involve 50 older adults who will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which will use a cognitive rehabilitation software and a social robot, or a control group that will engage in usual care activities. The experimental group will receive a tablet with the BRAINER platform for cognitive exercises and interact with the NAOv6 robot, designed to support cognitive engagement through social interaction. The trial is structured as a single-blind randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance cognitive function and quality of life for patients with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing technology and robotics for cognitive rehabilitation have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment; * MoCA ranged 21 - 27; * Geriatric Depression Scale 5 items (GDS-5items) ≤ 1 Exclusion Criteria: * Use of active implantable or non-implantable medical devices; * Nickel allergy; * Myocardial infarction or stroke within 6 months; * Painful arthritis, spinal stenosis, amputation, painful foot lesions, or neuropathy that limits balance and mobility; * Uncontrolled hypertension; * Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator; * Metastatic cancer or immunosuppressive therapy; * Significant vision or hearing disturbances.
Where it's running
-
IRCCS INRCA Hospital
Ancona, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anna Rita Bonfigli
- Email: a.bonfigli@inrca.it
- Phone: 0718003719
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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.