Social Functions to Promote Home-based Cognitive Training

Evaluating the Social Functions to Promote the Adherence and Reduce Social Isolation in Home-based Cognitive Training

This study will examine whether among older adults social interaction functions in a home-based cognitive training program can better support adherence to training and reduce social isolation.

The goal of this project is to conduct a pilot study to test the feasibility of two new features, a chat function and a leaderboard function, to encourage social interactions and support adherence to cognitive training protocols (mental exercises delivered via a tablet) over a period of time (2 months), and uncover individual difference factors that can predict poor adherence in the future and social interactions in the game. Even effective cognitive interventions may fail if individuals do not adhere to them for an extended period. This project will compare cognitive training games with chat function and leaderboard in reducing social isolation and improving adherence to the training, compared to an external control group using a generic reminder system delivered via smartphone text messages to promote adherence. The ultimate goal, as effective technology-based interventions to improve cognition become available, is to help support their benefit for older adults by maximizing long-term adherence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 65 years of age or older
• Normal or corrected to normal visual acuity
• Must pass a dementia screening.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, or any other neurodegenerative disease
• Terminal illness
• Severe motor impairment
• Not living in the Tallahassee area for the entire 6 month study period