Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the GO Game Intervention on Cognitive Function.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Recreational Therapy

Background:

• Cognitive decline is a significant concern in nursing home residents.
• Interventions to maintain or improve cognitive function are crucial for this population.
• The game of GO has potential cognitive benefits, but its effects on nursing home residents are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a GO game intervention on cognitive function in nursing home residents.
• To assess the learnability and playability of GO across different stages of dementia.
• To determine if GO can serve as a viable tool for cognitive enhancement in geriatric care.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 17 participants assigned to a GO intervention group or a control group.
• Intervention involved weekly GO sessions for 15 weeks.
• Cognitive function was assessed using digit span tests before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The GO intervention group showed a significant improvement in digit span total scores.
• Digit span backward scores were maintained in the intervention group, while they declined in the control group.
• All participants, including those with moderate dementia, successfully acquired GO rules; mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia participants played successfully.

Conclusions:

• The game of GO may effectively improve cognitive function in nursing home residents.
• GO is learnable and playable across various stages of cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.
• GO presents a promising, accessible intervention for cognitive health in the elderly population.