The rising prevalence of Alzheimer's disease underscores the critical need for early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which often serves as a precursor to dementia.

Dr. Nadine Diersch, who initiated a recent project, highlighted that a new mobile app can reliably identify individuals at increased risk for dementia.

This smartphone-based intervention aims to delay cognitive decline in patients aged 60-79 with MCI, integrating various strategies to enhance cognitive health.

The intervention combines physical activity, cognitive training, and dietary changes tailored to the specific needs of patients, promoting a holistic approach to cognitive health.

The dietary component encourages adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, utilizing a scoring system to motivate healthier eating habits.

Physical activity is personalized based on each patient's strength and fitness levels, while cognitive training employs both verbal and nonverbal stimuli to boost cognitive functions.

The app is designed to facilitate self-initiated cognitive improvement through gamification and personalized feedback, enhancing patient motivation.

Cognitive interventions within the app include memory training activities like story quizzes and memory diaries, focusing on enhancing episodic memory and executive functions.

Research has increasingly focused on behavioral data, such as gait and hand movements, for assessing cognitive function in the elderly, with a review of 15 studies from 2018 to 2023.

Behavioral data-based assessments offer advantages over traditional neuropsychological methods, including reduced fatigue, quicker testing, and more objective evaluations.

The study involved 72 adults, one-third of whom experienced subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a known risk factor for dementia.

The findings suggest that similar apps could play a significant role in early detection and treatment decisions for dementia, paving the way for future applications.