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BrainHealth

University of Texas at Dallas
Evidence Tier:VALIDATED

Proven effective in research studies

For:Researchers & AcademicsGeneral Public & Enthusiasts
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App Summary

BrainHealth is a research platform for healthy adults that uses a multidimensional BrainHealth Index (BHI) to assess cognitive, social, and emotional well-being while delivering evidence-based training strategies. A preliminary pilot study (N=180) found that 75% of participants improved their BHI score after 12 weeks, with gains in areas including cognition, resilience, and social engagement. The authors conclude this pilot is a first step in a large-scale project designed to scale evidence-based protocols and develop precision models for optimizing brain health across the lifespan.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the Center for BrainHealth® at The University of Texas at Dallas, the BrainHealth platform facilitates longitudinal tracking of cognitive and psychosocial well-being. The system delivers the BrainHealth Index (BHI), a composite assessment measuring cognition, social engagement, and emotional balance. Participants engage with self-paced training modules, such as the evidence-based SMART program, and can access virtual coaching sessions. The platform is designed for periodic reassessment to quantify changes in brain health metrics over time.

Evidence & Research Context

  • A preliminary pilot study (N=180) of a 12-week intervention indicated that 75% of participants achieved gains on the BrainHealth Index, with larger gains associated with module utilization.
  • The platform's primary cognitive training (SMART) is grounded in over 25 years of research, with previously reported efficacy in randomized controlled trials for improving cognition and well-being.
  • The system is central to a large-scale longitudinal study protocol designed to further validate the BrainHealth Index in a cohort of up to 100,000 adults over 10 years.
  • The cognitive index has been adopted as a primary outcome in neuroimaging research, where a machine learning model predicted gains with 90% accuracy in a small cohort (N=48).

Intended Use & Scope

This platform is intended for the general public as citizen scientists to monitor brain health metrics and for researchers as a data collection tool. Its primary utility is to facilitate self-guided cognitive training and track longitudinal changes in performance. The system does not provide medical diagnoses or treatment and should not replace consultation with a qualified health provider.

Studies & Publications

3 publications

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Study Protocol

The BrainHealth Project Study Protocol: A Longitudinal Study in Generally Healthy Adults

Cook et al. (2024) · Research Square

Research study planned or in progress; results not yet available
Background: Optimization of brain health is a focal point in medical science, yet data regarding measuring, preserving, and improving lifelong brain health are lacking. This void demands an objective, change-sensitive measure of brain health and proven strategies to strengthen brain performance. The BrainHealth Project addresses these key issues, drawing upon neuroplasticity evidence of persistent modifiability of brain function across the
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Effectiveness/Outcome Study

Toward Precision Brain Health: Accurate Prediction of a Cognitive Index Trajectory Using Neuroimaging Metrics

Spence et al. (2023) · Cerebral Cortex

Brain imaging metrics accurately predicted cognitive improvements with 90% accuracy.

Abstract The goal of precision brain health is to accurately predict individuals' longitudinal patterns of brain change. We trained a machine learning model to predict changes in a cognitive index of brain health from neurophysiologic metrics. A total of 48 participants (ages 21–65) completed a sensorimotor task during 2 functional magnetic resonance imaging sessions 6 mo apart. Hemodynamic response functions (HRFs) were parameterized using
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In the Media

Good Sleep and Good Friends Are Good for Your Brain. UT Dallas' New Project Will Prove It

UT Dallas's Center for BrainHealth developed BrainHealth to encourage people to think about brain health before something goes wrong, focusing on preventive cognitive wellness. The project emphasizes how good sleep and strong social connections benefit brain function as key components of maintaining cognitive health. The initiative represents a proactive approach to brain wellness rather than waiting for problems to develop.

CenterforbrainhealthRead article

The 6 Pillars of Brain Health

Cleveland Clinic developed the "Six Pillars of Brain Health" framework to protect against dementia and cognitive decline, using scientifically demonstrated approaches to reduce Alzheimer's risk. "You can influence this," says psychiatrist Dylan Wint, MD, emphasizing that daily decisions have enormous impact on brain health. The framework recommends 150 minutes weekly of moderate exercise and continual mental challenges to promote new brain cell growth.

ClevelandclinicRead article

Brain Performance Institute Launches App to Boost Brain Power

Center for BrainHealth developed Charisma, a flexible virtual simulation platform designed to help users increase their social adeptness, using cutting-edge game development software combined with clinician-led cognitive social learning protocols. The platform allows "repeated but novel practice with real-time simulation of authentic, dynamic social interactions at varying levels of complexity."

CenterforbrainhealthRead article

BrainHealth

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