PATIENTS from Somerset have been playing a huge part in a study aiming to slow the progress of dementia.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, is involved in an international study testing if patients with a mild cognitive impairment can improve their cognitive function by using a digital health app.

Patients taking part in the study are being randomised into two groups, one receiving an app called Five Lives MED, which they will use three times a week for 12 weeks.

Those in the other group do not receive the app and will act as a ‘control group’.

At the end of the study, the cognitive function of patients in the two groups will be compared.

Patients will answer questionnaires relating to their behaviour, how their cognition impacts their quality of life, and their knowledge of Alzheimer’s.

A study partner will also provide insight into the cognitive function of the patients.

Trust clinical trials officer Tracy Hallows said: “The aim of the trial is to see whether people with a clinically diagnosed mild cognitive impairment can see an improvement in their cognitive functioning by following some of the mental and physical exercises within the app.

“In addition to brain training ‘games’, the app provides achievable goals and aims to increase awareness of risk factors associated with cognitive decline, helping the participant to make positive life choices.

“Research is considered very important within our trust, and evidence suggests that hospitals with a high research component also have improved patient outcomes.

“With the help of Dr Adrian Hayes, one of our consultant psychotherapists, who received funding as a research associate from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, we have raised awareness of research in mental health and dementia over the past two years.

“Our clinicians identify patients with cognitive impairment, and then our research team screens them for initial eligibility, before contacting suitable patients to have a more in-depth conversation, as there are a range of criteria they must meet to take part.

“Once this has been completed, and the patient is fully informed and happy to move forward, a baseline assessment is arranged.

“We are flexible in terms of where we conduct the assessments, inviting the patient into Musgrove Park or Yeovil hospitals, their closest community hospital, or in their own home if they are unable to make the journey.

“People with mild cognitive impairment are naturally worried about it progressing to dementia, so they tend to be very willing to try something that might make a difference.

“We find that a lot of the patients who are involved in trials just want to help find a cure, as they know what an awful disease it is.”

Five Lives is a small French start-up company which has already developed an app to promote brain health for older adults who may be at elevated risk for cognitive decline.

It is available for free in the UK in both Google and Apple app stores.