Researchers tested whether using a mobile app to track diet and exercise could help older adults with early memory problems keep their thinking skills sharp. Over one year, 80 people aged 60 and older with mild cognitive impairment were split into two groups: one used a smartphone app three times per week to manage their eating and activity, while the other group got basic health advice twice a year. The app users showed significantly better results on memory and naming tests compared to the control group. This suggests that combining healthy eating and exercise through a mobile app might help slow down cognitive decline in people experiencing early memory changes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can using a smartphone app to track diet and physical activity help prevent memory loss in older adults who are starting to experience thinking problems?
  • Who participated: 80 people over age 60 with mild cognitive impairment (early memory and thinking problems) from hospitals and dementia centers in South Korea. About half used the app, and half received standard advice.
  • Key finding: People using the app showed significantly better scores on memory tests after 52 weeks compared to those who didn’t use it. The improvement was clear and measurable, suggesting the app-based approach actually works.
  • What it means for you: If you’re experiencing early memory problems, using a smartphone app to track healthy eating and exercise might help slow down cognitive decline. However, this study was done in South Korea with a relatively small group, so results may vary for different populations.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of scientific studies. Researchers randomly assigned 80 older adults to two groups: one group used a mobile app to track their diet and physical activity at least three times per week for a full year, while the other group received general health recommendations twice a year. The study was “assessor-blind,” meaning the people testing cognitive function didn’t know which group participants were in, reducing bias in the results.

Participants were recruited from three dementia centers and hospital clinics in South Korea. All participants had mild cognitive impairment (early thinking and memory problems) and at least one modifiable risk factor for dementia, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or other lifestyle factors. The study lasted 52 weeks, with cognitive testing done at the beginning and end to measure changes in thinking ability.

The main measurement was the MMSE-KC test, a standard tool that checks memory, attention, and language skills. Researchers also used the Boston Naming Test to measure how well people could identify objects by name.

This research approach is important because it tests a real-world solution—a smartphone app—that people can actually use at home. Rather than just studying one factor like exercise or diet alone, the app combined multiple healthy behaviors, which may be more effective. The randomized design means we can be more confident the app itself caused the improvement, not other factors.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized (reducing bias), had a control group for comparison, used blinded assessors (people testing didn’t know who was in which group), and measured specific cognitive outcomes with validated tests. However, the sample size was relatively small (80 people), and all participants were from South Korea, so results may not apply equally to other populations. The study was also conducted during 2020-2021, so technology and app features may have changed since then.

What the Results Show

The app users showed significantly better cognitive function after 52 weeks compared to the control group. On the main memory test (MMSE-KC), the app group scored notably higher, with statistical significance of p < .001, meaning there’s less than a 0.1% chance this result happened by random chance. This is a very strong finding.

On the Boston Naming Test, which measures how well people can identify and name objects, the app group also performed significantly better (p < .01). This suggests the app intervention helped preserve multiple types of thinking skills, not just memory.

The control group, which received only general health advice twice a year, did not show the same level of improvement. This comparison is crucial because it shows the app’s frequent engagement and structured approach appears to make a real difference compared to basic recommendations.

While the abstract doesn’t detail all secondary outcomes, the fact that improvements appeared across multiple cognitive tests (memory and naming) suggests the benefits weren’t limited to one type of thinking skill. This broader improvement is encouraging because it indicates the intervention may help protect overall cognitive function rather than just one area.

Previous research has shown that lifestyle interventions—including diet, exercise, cognitive training, and social engagement—can help slow cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment. This study adds to that evidence by showing that a mobile app can effectively deliver these interventions in a practical, accessible way. The use of technology makes the intervention easier for people to follow at home, which addresses a major barrier to previous lifestyle-based interventions.

The study included only 80 participants, which is a relatively small sample size. All participants were from South Korea, so the results may not apply equally to people from different ethnic backgrounds or healthcare systems. The study lasted one year, so we don’t know if benefits continue beyond that timeframe or if people maintain the improvements after stopping the app. Additionally, the study doesn’t tell us which specific features of the app (diet tracking, exercise tracking, or reminders) were most helpful. Finally, people who chose to participate may have been more motivated than the general population, which could affect how well these results apply to everyone.

The Bottom Line

If you have mild cognitive impairment or early memory concerns, using a mobile app to track diet and physical activity appears to be a helpful strategy (moderate to strong evidence). Aim to use the app at least three times per week, as that’s what the successful group did. Combine this with regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. This approach should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you have other health conditions. (Confidence level: Moderate—based on one well-designed study with a small sample)

This research is most relevant for people over 60 with mild cognitive impairment or early memory problems. It may also interest family members of people with memory concerns, healthcare providers treating cognitive decline, and anyone interested in preventing dementia. People without cognitive concerns may still benefit from these healthy lifestyle habits for general brain health, but this study specifically tested people with early thinking problems. If you have severe dementia or other serious health conditions, consult your doctor before starting any new program.

In this study, improvements were measurable after 52 weeks (one year) of consistent app use. You shouldn’t expect immediate changes—cognitive benefits from lifestyle interventions typically take several months to become apparent. Consistency appears important, as the successful group used the app at least three times per week. If you try this approach, plan to commit for at least 3-6 months before evaluating whether it’s working for you.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly app usage frequency (aim for 3+ times per week), daily steps or exercise minutes, and monthly cognitive self-assessments using simple memory tests or word-naming games. Record any subjective improvements in memory or thinking clarity.
  • Set up daily reminders to use the app three times per week at consistent times. Log meals and physical activity, and use the app’s feedback to gradually improve diet quality and increase exercise duration. Celebrate weekly consistency milestones to maintain motivation.
  • Establish a baseline cognitive score at the start, then track monthly changes in app-recorded metrics and quarterly self-reported cognitive function. Share results with your healthcare provider every 3 months to assess progress and adjust the intervention if needed. Consider formal cognitive testing annually with your doctor to measure real-world improvements.

This research suggests that mobile app-based interventions combining diet and exercise tracking may help maintain cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing memory problems or cognitive changes, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and personalized recommendations. This study was conducted in South Korea with a relatively small sample size, so individual results may vary. Always discuss any new health interventions with your doctor, especially if you take medications or have other health conditions. The app used in this study was specifically designed for this research and may differ from commercially available apps.