Alzheimer's Research Highlights Our Operational Structure
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a renowned non-profit based in Phoenix, has launched an engaging online game that invites participants to contribute to scientific research on brain aging and Alzheimer's prevention. The project, which is part of a massive online cognitive study, is designed to be both fun and informative, allowing players to compare their memory skills with others of the same age.
The game, which can be accessed for free, is the first phase of the project, launched in June 2013. The ultimate goal is to gather one million participants, who will share basic information such as sex, age, and education, to help TGen understand how genetic factors can influence memory. The second phase of the project, set to begin soon, will feature more intensive testing and ask for more detailed personal information.
Contrary to some misconceptions, the project is not part of a massive online platform by TGen for an unprecedented online cognitive study on Alzheimer's prevention, as suggested by some sources. The available information does not describe a large-scale, population-level online cognitive study focused on Alzheimer’s prevention by TGen.
For instance, the Mayo Clinic's AI Diagnostic Tool, which can identify nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, from a single brain scan with high accuracy, is a diagnostic tool—not a platform for online cognitive study or prevention. Similarly, UCLA researchers' work on mapping four key pathways to Alzheimer’s using electronic health records is based on retrospective analysis of diagnosed patients for risk prediction and personalised prevention, not a prospective, interactive online study.
The Human Amyloid Imaging conference, which discussed advances in biomarkers, PET imaging, and hybrid diagnostic models, did not mention TGen or any massive online platforms for Alzheimer’s prevention studies.
Despite these discrepancies, the game remains an exciting opportunity for individuals to contribute to scientific research while enjoying a brainteaser designed to challenge and engage. Participants can opt out at any time and can find the game by following a link provided in this article. By participating, they will not only gain insights into their own cognitive abilities but also help TGen in its mission to prevent diseases like Alzheimer's.
- The TGen-created online game is not exclusively focused on Alzheimer’s prevention, but it also invites participants to contribute to scientific research on various mental health and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
- In the second phase of the project, participants will be asked for more detailed personal information to help TGen better understand the connection between memory and other health-and-wellness conditions, such as mental-health issues and neurological disorders.
- The engaging and informative nature of the game makes scientific contributions accessible to a broader audience, shedding light not only on Alzheimer’s disease but also on broader health-and-wellness domains like medical-conditions and brain aging.
