NHS doctors could soon prescribe puzzles and games to help people stave off dementia, say scientists.
Brain experts at Exeter University have developed a mobile app that tests thinking power and boosts it with challenges.
GettyPeople could play games and puzzles on their phones to improve brain health, experts say[/caption]
They hope it will be used on the NHS after a three-year government-funded trial involving 1,000 Brits over 40.
Speaking at the British Science Festival, Professor Anne Corbett said: “We know that 99 per cent of people with early signs of problems are not seen by a doctor.
“We’ll be asking people to do eight tests every six months and they will be tracked through the app.
“Anyone who starts to decline will be flagged in the system and that will let their GP know.
“We know that the earlier you intervene, the more chance you have of slowing and reducing the risk of dementia later on.
“There are new drugs coming through, which is really exciting, but prevention is better than cure.
“There is good evidence now that we can reduce risk very effectively.”
The app is named Reactive and will be free and contain eight memory, reaction and thinking tests, and 12 brain training games.
All the games were designed by the Exeter team and trials found they can boost memory and problem solving by up to 30 per cent.
Studies have shown keeping the brain active slashes the risk of dementia.
Exercising, chatting with friends and learning new hobbies, musical instruments and languages can all protect against the disease.
Nearly a million people in the UK have dementia and it is the nation’s top cause of death.
Cases are rising as we live to older ages and scientists are scrambling to find a cure.
The first drugs have this year been proven to tackle Alzheimer’s disease but many patients do not get diagnosed until it is too late – meaning it is vital to catch it earlier.
Prof Corbett added: “Computerised tests are far more sensitive and accurate than traditional paper-and-pencil tests and using an app means we can reach large numbers of people in an affordable way.”
Professor Alistair Burns, NHS director for dementia, said: “Timely diagnosis of dementia is vital to ensuring that a person can access the advice, information, care and support they need.
“If you’re worried or concerned about dementia, we encourage you to come forward and speak to your GP practice.”