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´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ¾±²Ô²µÌý10 identified risk factors, such as lower education levels, hearing lossÌý²¹²Ô»å high blood pressure, theoretically holds the potential to prevent nearly 40 per cent of dementia cases. Recent research, including the Korean study SUPERBRAIN,(1) indicates promising results from interventions targeting these risk factors using apps and coaching support. Participants without dementia engaged in extra cognitive games and physical exercises, feeling cared for and motivated to change.

Against this backdrop, the ENHANCE (TailorEd iNtervention for brain HeAlth aNd Cognitive Enrichment) research programme, funded by NIHR, will run from 2023 to 2029. Its aim is to create and evaluate an app intervention ('ENHANCE') to assess its impact on cognition, risk factors, quality of lifeÌý²¹²Ô»å affordability. Additionally, the programme seeks to investigate the long-term effects of the intervention on dementia rates by analysing future health records.

The project is led by an interdisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, patient and public involvement (PPI) representatives, medical professionals, psychologists, policy expertsÌý²¹²Ô»å specialists in trial design. The app will offer interventions addressing the identified risk factors through games, videos, and personalized coaching. Ìý²¹²Ô»å  provide the Human-Computer Interaction expertise for the project, paying special attention to ensuring the app’s accessibility and cultural relevance, particularly for disadvantaged and minority ethnic groups, who face a higher risk of dementia. The feasibility and acceptability of ENHANCE will be evaluated, with measures in place to address digital exclusion, including providing support and devices as needed.

Currently, the games for the app are being developed in collaboration with an industry partner. Additionally, user studies are underway to test existing gamesÌý²¹²Ô»å understand their usability and acceptability among older adults. The findings from these studies will be disseminated through various channels, including a dedicated website, social media platforms, newsletters, and collaboration with PPI representatives, national charities, media outlets, and policymakers. Furthermore, the research team aims to contribute to knowledge sharing and implementation through publicationsÌý²¹²Ô»å presentationsÌý²¹³ÙÌýscientific and public forums. This comprehensive approach ensures that valuable insights reach relevant stakeholders and facilitate positive impact.

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1. Hee Kyung Park, Jee Hyang Jeong, So Young Moon, Yoo Kyoung Park, Chang Hyung Hong, Hae Ri Naet al. South Korean Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention in At-Risk Elderly People: Protocol of a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. J Clin Neurol. 2020 Apr; 16(2): 292–303.  doi: .