Smart Brain Aging Launches Virtual Platform SMART Brain U, Potentially Reducing Alzheimer's Cognitive Decline by 45% and Delaying Progression by 2.5 Years

VCBeat has learned that Smart Brain Aging, a technology company focused on dementia, recently announced the launch of SMART Brain U, a virtual product designed to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The platform delivers online exercises to train users’ cognitive abilities, communication skills, and other competencies.

Smart Brain Aging is a medical technology company dedicated to continuous research and innovation in brain health, offering in-person and virtual research support programs to mitigate cognitive decline in the aging brain. It provides the Smart Memory Program (a cognitive intervention program for adults in the early stages of dementia) and SMART Brain U (a computerized brain game system), both designed to maintain cognitive function as people age.

Smart Brain Aging, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, brings together a team with over seven years of specialized research in dementia, 26 years of business and technical expertise, and countless hours of one-on-one learning experience with individuals living with dementia. Furthermore, the team has conducted years of research and clinical trials on Alzheimer’s disease at Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine.

As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Research indicates that Alzheimer’s disease affects certain regions of the brain, impairing memory, thought processes, and speech in older adults. The disease progresses from mild to severe stages. In individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the condition is caused by the abnormal accumulation of plaques between nerve cells in the brain.

Early Stage (Mild)

Alzheimer’s disease begins with mild cognitive issues, leading to confusion, mood swings, forgetfulness, and even an inability to make plans. At this stage, plaques and tangles begin to form in the brain.

Mid-term (Moderate)

At this stage, older adults experience increased confusion and difficulties with memory and communication, typically manifesting as changes in personality and behavior. This occurs as more plaques and tangles develop and begin to directly affect the brain regions responsible for speech control.

Late Stage (Severe)

At this stage, individuals are typically unable to care for themselves. The outer layer of the brain sustains permanent damage. This layer is associated with memory, cognition, and motor function. Due to cell death, the brain ultimately shrinks.

As there is currently no cure for dementia, SMART Brain Aging has pioneered a research-based approach to mitigate and delay the onset of the condition. Under the leadership of Dr. John DenBoer’s research, SMART Brain Aging is offered as both an in-person (clinical) and online (virtual) brain training program, demonstrating efficacy in reducing cognitive decline in the aging brain.

In light of the staged progression of Alzheimer’s disease, Smart Brain Aging maintains that its platform can safeguard brain health and prevent the onset of dementia.

Brain U Online Virtual Interface

Brain U Online is a platform for online use, featuring over 20,000 exercises developed to target various cognitive skills such as processing speed, memory, and attention. Hundreds of these exercises have been redesigned for mobile internet access via an app. Additionally, the program includes a virtual classroom that enables users to engage in social activities and converse with others.

This online platform provides users with web-based cognitive training tasks. “We developed Brain U with a single purpose: to help prevent, delay, and mitigate the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, enabling patients to continue living full, independent lives even after diagnosis,” said Dr. John DenBoer, Founder and CEO of Smart Brain Aging, in a statement. “This is not a ‘brain game.’ It is the first and only scientifically supported digital therapeutic specifically developed for older adults, serving both those who wish to maintain healthy brain function and those with early-stage dementia.”

According to the statement, both Brain U Online and Brain U Lite are designed with consideration for common user impairments, such as visual or hearing difficulties and physical tremors.

According to the company, when combined with exercise, it has been proven to delay the progression of dementia and limit its negative effects. This cognitive training method has been shown to reduce the adverse cognitive impacts of dementia by 45% and delay its progression by 2.5 years, although these results have only been demonstrated with the company’s physical products. Therefore, the Smart Brain Aging website states that a more targeted study on the efficacy of Brain U Online and Brain U Lite is currently underway.

“Dr. DenBoer and his team developed a plan based on years of research and supported by scientific evidence, which has had a positive impact on improving and protecting the lives of thousands of older adults and individuals with dementia,” said Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a clinical neuropsychologist and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We need to bring these types of intervention programs to more patients and caregivers, empowering them to live their best lives and enhancing care services for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Brain U App's Paid Plans

According to its official website, users who subscribe to the platform’s service can enjoy a 14-day trial period, after which the monthly fee is $29.99; annual billing reduces the rate to $19.99 per month.

Meanwhile, Brain U Online also targets offline clinics as its key customers. Specifically designed for individuals exhibiting early symptoms of memory decline or early-stage dementia, Smart Brain Aging proposes that once the application is integrated into clinical settings, insurance providers will cover the costs associated with using this platform.

From the perspective of current cutting-edge technologies, brain health products remain a mainstream focus in the digital health sector. For instance, in March, Neurotrack completed a $13.7 million Series B financing round for its memory loss assessment and online prevention tools, while other industry players are also discussing the feasibility of similar digital approaches within the cognitive health domain.

Reference: https://www.mobihealthnews.com/content/newly-launched-brain-u-online-aims-stymie-dementia-aging-consumers