What it does
Cogni is an interactive memory game for families to spot early signs of dementia at home. It helps reduce delays in diagnosis by encouraging timely action while making cognitive screening more engaging and less intimidating.
Your inspiration
The idea came from personal stories of families noticing memory changes in loved ones but facing long waits for diagnosis. I learned it takes over five months to get tested for dementia in the UK, often leaving families anxious and unsupported. Many older adults are also reluctant to undergo medical tests, fearing bad news or more hospital visits. I wanted to create a friendlier, more approachable way to take the first step. By turning cognitive checks into a game, Cogni aims to support families earlier and ease the path into care.
How it works
Cogni is a tabletop memory game that checks for early signs of dementia through play. Players interact using physical controls like buttons, sliders, and dials to complete short, themed challenges—such as identifying objects, repeating patterns, or counting shapes. Each task is based on established cognitive tests used in clinics but reimagined as part of a fun mission, like a bank heist. Behind the scenes, the game measures performance across six cognitive domains including memory, attention, and visuospatial skills. An AI model combines the player’s age, answers, and timing to estimate cognitive risk. If needed, Cogni generates a simple report that can help fast-track the next step in the healthcare process, such as a GP referral.
Design process
The project began with extensive interviews with families, clinicians, and care workers to understand the barriers to early dementia detection. Many families noticed early signs like forgetting names or misplacing items but hesitated to seek help. I initially explored daily cognitive monitoring through tasks like drawing clocks or number games, but feedback from neurologists revealed that daily testing is impractical and unnecessary. This led to a pivot toward a one-time, engaging game experience. I developed several digital prototypes, testing them with older adults and families. Participants found the digital version confusing and less engaging. I then created a physical prototype using a screen and custom controls like dials and buttons. This version significantly improved understanding and enjoyment, with participants saying it felt like a game, not a test. Testing sessions were held with Age UK groups, family caregivers, and memory support hubs. Feedback was used to refine the interface, pacing, and scoring system. Clinicians highlighted the potential of physical interaction to assess both cognitive and motor skills, making Cogni a tool that’s both clinically relevant and emotionally accessible.
How it is different
Cogni is different because it transforms early dementia screening into a shared, engaging experience instead of a clinical test. While most existing tools are digital apps or paper-based questionnaires used in clinics, Cogni is a physical game designed to be played at home with a loved one. It uses tactile controls like buttons and dials to assess six cognitive domains through interactive, story-driven tasks — making it feel more like a puzzle than a medical exam. This physical interaction not only makes it more accessible for older adults unfamiliar with smartphones but also allows subtle tracking of motor responses, which can be another indicator of decline. Unlike other tools that stop at detection, Cogni provides a clear, fast-track referral suggestion into the existing healthcare system, helping families take action quickly without bypassing clinical care.
Future plans
The next step for Cogni is to run larger pilot sessions in partnership with local healthcare providers, memory clinics, and dementia support groups. We plan to refine the game modules based on feedback from clinicians and participants, and further validate the screening logic with expert input. From a business perspective, Cogni will be offered as a referral-supported tool, sold directly to families or distributed via GP networks and care organisations. Our goal is to gain regulatory support and integrate Cogni into early dementia care pathways as a standardised pre-screening tool.
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