First person in the world recruited to digital dementia study by our Research Team
Our Research Team based in Exeter, have recruited the very first person in the world to take part in a new study testing a health app for memory problems.
The study, which is sponsored by Five Lives SAS, a company which makes digital health tools for people with memory problems, is testing whether a special app can help people with mild memory problems think more clearly.
The study is supported by the NIHR Research Delivery Network which funds the research staff who helped run the study. This infrastructure enabled the team at DPT to move quickly from set-up to recruitment.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which people experience changes in memory and thinking that are greater than expected for their age, but not severe enough to significantly affect daily life.
People with MCI have a higher chance of developing dementia in the future. As more people live longer, this is becoming a bigger health problem.
Doctors and researchers are looking at new ways to help, including exercise, healthy habits, and brain training.
The Five Lives MED study included people aged 50 and over who have mild cognitive impairment.
People in the study were put into 1 of 2 groups by chance:
- 1 group used the Five Lives MED app at home 3 times a week for 12 weeks.
- The other group received a leaflet with general health advice.
The app includes:
- coaching to help people build healthy exercise habits
- brain training games to improve thinking skills
Everyone in the study completed memory and thinking tests at the start and at the end.
The main goal was to see if using the app for 12 weeks improved overall thinking skills more than just reading health advice.
The study has now finished recruiting. It took place at several sites around the world. The team is now working on a new and improved version of the app and hopes to start another study in early 2027.
Gayle Morrissey, Clinical Lead for Research Delivery, said "The team worked very hard to set up and run the study quickly and successfully.
"This success highlights the South West Peninsula as a highly attractive region for commercial dementia research and has led to further collaboration. I am incredibly proud of my team and their professionalism and commitment."