Development and Testing of a Social Game for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Their Care Partners
Principal Investigator: Chantal Kerssens; Co-Investigators: Kara Cohen (CIDI), Maribeth Gandy Coleman (IMTC), Laura Levy (IMCT)
MCI affects millions of older Americans, and progression to dementia is common. Although people with MCI experience impairments, they are often highly verbal, able, and eager to uphold beloved routines. Many seek opportunities to stay physically and mentally active to support brain health. Some forms of cognitive training and social engagement may delay the onset and progression of disease, including dementia.
This project creates, implements, and tests an adapted, accessible version of a well-known board game, Scrabble, for people with MCI and their family members. It will be co-designed with older adults with and without MCI using adaptive game mechanics and well-established cognitive supports for the player with MCI so that ability rather than disability is reinforced. This should result in a game that is equally enjoyable and challenging to players with and without MCI. The overall goal is to foster a meaningful, joyous, and potentially therapeutic social activity.
This project is part of the Cognitive Empowerment Program.