Islanders Invited To Take Part In Brain Health Study

As part of Brain Awareness Week (16–22 March), researchers are inviting members of the Isle of Wight community to take part in an important study aimed at improving the early detection of dementia.

The study is testing innovative digital cognitive assessments that can be completed from home using an iPad.

Early signs of dementia are often subtle and can go undiagnosed for years, partly due to long waiting times at memory clinics.

The research hopes to make assessments more accessible, sensitive to early changes, and faster — helping people get support sooner.

Participants will use a digital app called Ignite+, which features engaging, game-like memory and thinking tasks that take around 30 minutes to complete at home.

The study is currently seeking healthy adults aged 20–80.

By collecting data across a wide age range, researchers aim to establish “normal” cognitive benchmarks, which are essential for spotting early signs of change in the future.

Anyone interested in taking part, or learning more about the research, can contact the study team for further information, leaflets, or to arrange a chat about dementia research and why early detection matters — especially on the Island, where many residents face long waits to see a neurologist.