A world-first brain health app has just been
launched in the UK as the latest digital tool to help in the fight against
dementia.
Based on latest research that links brain health
and a reduced risk of dementia, to a healthy heart and cardiovascular system,
BrainyApp is the first dementia risk reduction iPhone app designed to help
people monitor and improve the physical, mental, dietary and social aspects of
their lifestyle.
There are currently 750,000 people living with
dementia in the UK and this is predicted to rise to over a million by 2021.
Delaying the onset of dementia by just five years would reduce deaths directly
attributable to dementia by 30,000 a year.
Jeremy Hughes of Alzheimer's Society says, "Healthy lifestyle choices may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's
disease and other kinds of dementia. The
idea is that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain."
BrainyApp allows users to take a health survey about
their diet, exercise patterns and lifestyle. It then provides suggestions and
ideas about how to improve.
BrainyApp is available as a free download for
users of iPhone, iPod and iPad devices from the App Store. There are plans to
develop an Android version in early 2012.
Private medical insurance news: 8 December 2011
