Alzheimer’s disease has long been a formidable challenge, but recent scientific breakthroughs offer a glimmer of hope. The FINGER study, a landmark in Alzheimer’s research, demonstrated the power of simple lifestyle changes in preventing cognitive decline. However, translating these findings into practical, everyday strategies has proven elusive.
In this Health Moonshot Update, we explore how Mindr, a pioneering startup in our Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community, is bridging the gap between research – the FINGER study – and real-world application in the lives of people at risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. By leveraging the best of modern consumer tech – like a well designed app on your phone – Mindr aims to make internationally-recognized advances in healthcare accessible to everyone.
This is a story that applies in almost every area of health. We have the information, but we struggle to get it out of the lab, out of the peer reviewed journal, and into everyday life. Mindr’s co-founders Adam Schultz and Ariana Myers explain how they’re attempting to bridge this divide and what it will take to succeed on a bigger scale.
Join us as we discuss the importance of connecting research to practice and how Mindr is empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier brain.
Highlights:
🧠 Mission to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer's: Mindr aims to create a platform that helps people prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s through simple, daily activities based on modifiable risk factors.
📈 Key Research Backing: Mindr’s product is based on the FINGER study, a pivotal trial conducted in Finland, which demonstrated that lifestyle changes like improved diet and exercise can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
🛠️ Beta App Development: Mindr is currently refining its app, with an alpha version live, and beta testing expected to start in October-November. The app will deliver personalized interventions to users based on their risk factors.
💼 Fundraising: The company is gearing up for a major fundraising push beginning this month, aiming to close their round by the end of the year. They are seeking partnerships with large employers and healthcare providers to scale their platform.
📊 Pilot Success: A pilot study conducted in 2022 had a 90-day program with an 88% adherence rate and showed notable health improvements for participants, proving that the FINGER study’s principles can be applied digitally.
🌍 Target Audience: While the platform is useful for all ages, Mindr is targeting the 50-65 age group, particularly caregivers who are looking after parents with dementia or Alzheimer's.
Insights Based on Numbers:
🔢 88% adherence rate: Mindr’s 2022 pilot program showed an impressive 88% adherence over 90 days, proving the effectiveness and engagement of the platform.
💡 50% risk reduction: The FINGER study highlights that with simple lifestyle changes, the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia can be reduced by 50%, which Mindr is incorporating into its platform.
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