Nearly 8,000 people in Luxembourg are affected by dementia. To address this, the Program for Dementia Prevention (PDP) has launched an innovative app designed to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of dementia.
According to recent international research, 45% of dementia cases could be prevented through healthier living, says Professor Rejko Krüger, Professor for Neuroscience at the University of Luxembourg. To tackle this, Professor Krüger and his team developed the Braincoach app, which debuted last month.
Braincoach was developed by a group of neurologists and the ministry of health. "Crack a nut every day", that is the concept behind the app. Users begin by completing a detailed questionnaire that generates a personalised risk profile. Based on this profile, the app provides daily guidance toward healthier habits.
The app has only been online for a month, yet it has already received a lot of feedback, comments Professor Krüger.
“The obstacles are more technical, there are several app stores, such as Google Play, where you can download the app from, which we are delighted to help with. Overall the comments have been positive.”
The app's concept of “cracking a nut” involves daily activities to promote brain health, symbolised by the walnut. “Walnuts contain an ideal combination of nutrients, fats, and vitamins that benefit the brain,” Professor Krüger explains.
45% of cases can be prevented early
In addition to promoting healthier habits, the app identifies individuals at higher risk of developing dementia. “These risks should be discussed with a physician,” advises Professor Krüger. “For instance, conditions like hypertension or high blood sugar can often be managed through simple changes such as regular exercise, maintaining social connections, or wearing the right glasses to improve vision.”
Advancements in research have identified 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, Krüger notes. “By addressing these, we can prevent up to 45% of dementia cases. While no cure currently exists, treatments are on the horizon that may slow the progression of the disease.”
The Braincoach app is particularly targeted at middle-aged individuals who might notice early signs of forgetfulness. The app incorporates interactive quizzes and daily challenges, such as choosing stairs over elevators, to help users adopt healthier behaviors in a fun and engaging way.
“The idea is to foster a more conscious approach to everyday decisions,” says the neurologist.
The Braincoach app is based on a Dutch version developed by the University of Maastricht and tailored specifically for Luxembourg. With its playful interface and focus on prevention, the app offers a promising tool to combat dementia through small but impactful lifestyle changes.
