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 their Brain-Heart health.
The new app, which was designed by Alzheimer's Australia and Bupa Health Foundation, has already knocked Facebook off the number one spot in the Australia and New Zealand Top Free Apps list. BrainyApp has already clocked up more than 130,000 downloads Down Under.
Now available to people in the UK, BrainyApp helps users 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, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society, said:Most people know how to reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke but they don't realise that the same healthy lifestyle choices may also 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 Brain-Heart health survey about their diet, exercise patterns and lifestyle. It then provides suggestions and ideas about how to improve. It also includes all-new brain games, and encourages users to build Brain-Heart points by staying physically and mentally active, socialising with friends and family, and sharing their progress on Facebook.
One of the brain games - Word Tennis - requires players to unscramble anagrams in order to move a paddle and hit a ball back to their opponent.
Director of dementia care for Bupa Care Services, Dr Graham Stokes, said:There is evidence to show that keeping the mind exercised can stave off the onset of dementia, BrainyApp highlights that good physical health also has a part to play. Best of all it's good fun.
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.
More information about BrainyApp is available at www.bupa.co.uk/brainyapp.
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Contact Us
For more information, please contact:
Bupa Group Press Office
Tel: +44 (0)20 7656 2454
bupapressoffice@bupa.com
Alzheimer's Society Press Office
Tel: +44 (0)20 7423 3595
press@alzheimers.org.uk
About Bupa Group
Bupa's purpose is to help people lead longer, healthier, happier lives.
A leading international healthcare group, we offer personal and company health insurance, run care homes for older people and hospitals, and provide workplace health services, health assessments and chronic disease management services, including health coaching, and home healthcare.
With no shareholders, we invest our profits to provide more and better healthcare. We are committed to making quality, patient-centred, affordable healthcare more accessible in the areas of wellness, chronic disease management and ageing.
Employing nearly 52,000 people, Bupa has operations around the world, principally in the UK, Australia, Spain, New Zealand and the USA, as well as Hong Kong, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India, China and across Latin America.
For more information, visit www.bupa.com
About Alzheimer's Society
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
About Alzheimer's Australia
Alzheimer's Australia is the charity for people with dementia and their families and carers. As the peak body, it provides advocacy, support services, education and information.
About the Bupa Health Foundation
The Bupa Health Foundation helps build a healthier Australian community through its support of important health research, health education and other healthy living programs. Established as a charitable foundation in 2005, the Bupa Health Foundation has partnered in over 60 initiatives nationally, with a combined investment of around $17 million, across its key focus areas: promoting wellness, managing chronic disease, healthy ageing, empowering people about their health; and keeping healthcare affordable. www.bupa.com.au/foundation
