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

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MILANO BICOCCA · Feb 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether learning to play traditional board games, specifically Go and Chess, can help improve thinking skills and overall well-being in people with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline. The study aims to find out if playing these games can enhance brain function, improve mood, boost quality of life, and encourage a healthier lifestyle. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: playing Go once a week, playing Chess once a week, playing both games twice a week, or being part of a control group that does not play these games.

To join the trial, individuals should have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline and be willing to attend the game classes. They should live within a 20-minute drive from the study location and provide consent to participate. However, individuals who already know the rules of either game, have serious language or sensory issues, or significant medical or behavioral problems may not be eligible. Participants can expect to attend weekly sessions for 12 weeks, where they will learn and play the games in a supportive group setting. This trial could be a fun way to engage the mind while potentially improving cognitive health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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)