Neurology. 2025 Apr 8;104(7_Supplement_1):2493. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000210376. Epub 2025 Apr 7.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of automated digital health risk reduction software compared to a time-neutral control in lowering calculated Alzheimer’s risk.
BACKGROUND: Over 300 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology starting silently in their brains decades before symptoms begin. Research shows that 45% of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors, and growing evidence supports the efficacy of multimodal risk reduction care for at-risk individuals. With AD prevalence nearly surpassing capacity of available specialists, a scalable solution is needed. Digital devices may serve as a mechanism for broad and cost-effective dissemination of risk reduction interventions.
DESIGN/METHODS: RetainYourBrain is an interactive, evidence-based, online software application that identifies users’ risk factors, sets priorities for improvement, educates, provides automated, customized recommendations and support, and longitudinally monitors outcomes. We evaluated its effectiveness on calculated Alzheimer’s risk (Alzheimer’s National University-AD Risk Index [ANU-ADRI]) in a 6-month randomized controlled trial against a time-neutral control in people ≥53 years with a family history of AD (n=987). Analysis of covariance models, with treatment arm as the main factor and baseline risk score as the covariate, were used to evaluate treatment effects on the ANU-ADRI score.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the intervention and control arms. Participants were largely married/partnered, well-educated, and White (mean age 64.2 years; SD=6.9) and 75% of the sample completed final assessments (n=737 analyzable). This personalized digital health intervention significantly reduced ANU-ADRI total score after 6-months (ß=0.86, 95%CI=[0.02, 1.55], p=0.014) versus controls.
CONCLUSIONS: RetainYourBrain effectively promotes behavior change in lifestyle domains linked to dementia risk. This innovative software offers a convenient, automated and cost-effective method for lowering AD risk that can be implemented more widely than otherwise possible in traditional, face-to-face health care encounters (ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT06027320). Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff. Disclosure: Dr. Isaacson has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Acadia. Dr. Isaacson has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Novo Nordisk. The institution of Dr. Isaacson has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Isaacson has received research support from Aces for Alzheimer’s. The institution of Dr. Isaacson has received research support from BrainMind. Dr. Isaacson has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Ms. Reschke has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Retain Health. Mr. McInnis has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Retain Health. Mr. McInnis has stock in Retain Health. Dr. Elgammal has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Retain Health, Inc.. Dr. Elgammal has stock in Retain Health. Ms. Scott has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as a Consultant for Retain Health. Ms. Scott has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Ms. Scott has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Ms. Scott has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Ms. Scott has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Writer with Northwell Health. Ms. Scott has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a writer with Peter Pauper Press. Ms. Scott has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a writer with Better Health While Aging. Ms. Scott has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a writer with Parade Magazine. Mr. Chinthapatla has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Retain Health Inc. Mr. Saif has nothing to disclose. Dr. Welge has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Retain Health. Dr. Niotis has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant with PAREF. The institution of Dr. Krikorian has received research support from NIH NIA.
PMID:40194163 | DOI:10.1212/WNL.0000000000210376
