A revolutionary brain-training and puzzle application is set to play a vital role in identifying individuals displaying initial signs of dementia, marking a significant breakthrough in early detection. The groundbreaking “Reactive” project, pioneered by the esteemed University of Exeter, is preparing to involve nearly 1,000 individuals aged 40 and above from all corners of the UK.
Participants will gain access to a diverse array of 12 unique brain games meticulously crafted to stimulate cognitive functions. Subsequently, they will undergo biannual assessments to monitor their cognitive performance.
These games are tailored to enhance both long-term and short-term memory, sharpen reaction time, bolster attention span, and enhance reasoning abilities. Compelling data indicates that engaging with these games can lead to an impressive 30% enhancement in problem-solving skills and a notable 19% boost in short-term memory.
The suite of virtual assessments, expertly designed by the University of Exeter, encompasses six challenges focused on honing problem-solving capabilities. These challenges include tasks such as the delicate art of balancing scales with an assortment of weights and piecing together tiles to form intricate images.
In parallel, six additional games cater to general brain-training objectives, addressing aspects like numeracy and verbal dexterity.
Of paramount significance, any discernible decline in cognitive performance during the biannual evaluations, surpassing what would be deemed age-appropriate, will prompt the app to raise a flag of concern. It will then swiftly notify medical professionals, alerting them to the possibility of a deteriorating mental condition.
Primary care experts will meticulously assess the individual’s situation, determining the necessity for intervention to impede further decline. Potential measures may encompass referral to a specialised “memory clinic” or recommendations for lifestyle adjustments that can be implemented at home.
Professor Anne Corbett, the lead author of this pioneering project and a distinguished professor of dementia research at the University of Exeter, conveyed, “We are cognizant that 99% of individuals undergoing pre-dementia changes seldom consult their GPs. There exists a substantial demographic that could derive substantial benefits from early support and interventions. The system will raise a flag for anyone exhibiting more than the anticipated decline over time, transmitting this information to a portal accessible to GPs, thus facilitating them in making informed clinical decisions.”
The Reactive project has garnered close to £2 million in government funding and is slated for launch in October. The study is earmarked to span five years, with the anticipation that it will obtain official approval and be made available free of charge to the general public via prominent global app stores, including Apple and Android platforms. Additionally, a standalone website is under development for broader accessibility.
Professor Corbett underlined the ultimate objective of the Reactive app, envisioning it to be “socially prescribed” by doctors for individuals in the early stages of mild cognitive impairment, who are at risk of progressing to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Presently, the NHS social prescribing framework entails doctors prescribing activities such as walking in natural surroundings to bolster mental health.
The healthcare professionals will have complete autonomy in devising patient treatment strategies, which could include blood tests and brain scans, alongside lifestyle modifications like physical exercise and dietary changes.
Professor Corbett stressed the primary aim: “We are well aware that intervening at an earlier stage offers a higher probability of reducing the dementia risk later in life. While promising drugs are on the horizon, prevention remains the superior choice. There exists compelling evidence indicating that we can effectively mitigate the risk in individuals in the earliest stages.”
Dr. Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, who wasn’t directly involved in this initiative, expressed, “With potential Alzheimer’s treatments nearing availability through the NHS, the imperative to identify and diagnose individuals in the early stages of disease progression is growing. If the Reactive app can demonstrate clinical effectiveness, it could serve as an invaluable tool for monitoring brain health, potentially reducing the future prevalence of dementia.”
Dr. Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, echoed the sentiment, affirming the importance of funding technological innovation in expediting dementia diagnosis and aiding affected individuals in leading more fulfilling lives for as long as possible.
