Could a brain training app improve cognitive function?

A new brain training app shows promise in helping people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) live more independently. 

The company Five Lives has developed a brain training intervention app for people diagnosed with MCI. The app offers brain training “puzzle games” and muscle, balance, and stretching exercises. These are all types of training that benefit brain health.

The app is designed with the aim to improve cognitive function, and Five Lives are currently carrying out clinical investigations to test the app’s effectiveness. 

We spoke to the Five Lives Science Lead, Dr. Philip Vassilev, to tell us more and how they used Join Dementia Research to help with recruitment for their first investigation, FLMED01.

How did the app develop and what does it involve?

“So, we initially developed a cognitive decline prevention app that anyone can use. The app consists of 20 brain games to train short term memory, attention, and language as well as lifestyle and physical exercise advice. These are all designed to help keep your brain healthy.

“We then went on to develop an intervention app for people with MCI. This app is based around the same type of cognitive and physical training, but it's more structured and tailored. You log onto the app and you're given 12 tasks to complete within a certain time frame each day. You start with short videos of guided physical activity, followed by a variety of brain games.” 

Tell me about the study

“The FLMED01 study was the first clinical investigation of our app. The study involved a control group and an intervention group. The control group received standard care for MCI whereas the intervention group used the app. 

“The intervention lasted for 12 weeks and after that time we retested the participants' cognition for any improvements. The primary outcome which we tested against was the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This is a global cognitive test used by healthcare professionals to screen for MCI.

“We also measured secondary outcomes, which included a questionnaire on the independence of daily activities. This was filled out by the carer of the participant, or somebody close to them.”

What were the results of the study?

“While there were no improvements in MoCA test results, we found that there was an increase in everyday independence for study participants using the app.

“Caregivers who filled out the questionnaire reported that activities, such as going shopping or making a cup of tea, became easier. This is an interesting finding, as independence in daily life is especially important to patients and carers. There were also improvements in how quickly participants processed information and their executive function.

“So, while our primary outcome results prevent us from making medical claims at the moment, our secondary outcome results are very promising. We will be able to study these further in future investigations to find out more about the app’s effectiveness.”

How did Join Dementia Research help with recruitment?

“Recruitment is key for a study. The faster you can recruit, the better.

“Join Dementia Research helped speed up our recruitment. The service was very easy to use and I would recommend it to other researchers.” 

Could you use Join Dementia Research to help recruit to your study? Visit our ‘Researchers’ page for more information.