Game Changers Study

A research project aimed at improving the early diagnosis of dementia has reached an important milestone.More than 12,000 people have now taken part, simply by playing games on their smartphone. 

A research project aimed at improving the early diagnosis of dementia has reached an important milestone.

More than 12,000 people have now taken part, simply by playing games on their smartphone.

Alzheimer’s Society teamed up with the University of Oxford to launch the study – called GameChanger – last September.

Participants use the free app for just five minutes a day for a month. The brain-teasing games are great fun and can be quite addictive. Users tell us they look forward to the next day’s challenge.

But although our GameChangers are just completing tasks on their smartphones, the data they generate gives scientists a valuable insight into how healthy brains work.

It is hoped the findings will enable researchers to differentiate between changes to the brain that are a natural part of ageing and those which could be early warning signs of dementia.



This exciting project really could revolutionise the way dementia is diagnosed, enabling those affected to access support much sooner.

And the good news is that there’s still time to get involved. Alzheimer’s Society is urging people who do not have dementia to download the app.

The more data we can collect, the more we are able to analyse the specific aspects of memory and thinking that are affected in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

So please, consider being a GameChanger yourself. All you need is a smartphone and five minutes a day to spare. To find out more, visitwww.alzheimers.org.uk/gamechanger

 Ken Oxley is Media Officer for the Alzheimer’s Society in the North East and Cumbria.