Co-founders Patrick Renner, Roger Arellano, and Susanne Mitschke met as Master’s degree students during a university hackathon. They had experience in the caring profession and saw the potential for technology to address needs in the sector.
Backed by research, they developed an app named MindMate, which aims to reduce cognitive decline through brain games, healthy nutrition, exercise, and social interaction. The app boasts one million users, grouping those with Alzheimer’s, early-stage memory loss, and individuals seeking to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
The Genesis of MindMate
Renner and Mitschke were actively volunteering in adult care centres, which inspired them to innovate. Meanwhile, Arellano’s experience in aiding his grandfather suffering from Alzheimer’s shaped their collective vision.
Together, they developed an app, MindMate, designed to combat cognitive decline. It incorporates brain games, nutritious recipes, exercise routines, and social interactions, all of which are supported by scientific research.
User Groups and Benefits
MindMate currently serves one million users, primarily categorised into three groups: those with Alzheimer’s, individuals experiencing early-stage memory loss, and those aiming to mitigate future risks of Alzheimer’s.
The app offers a comprehensive daily plan encompassing mental activities, physical exercises, and dietary advice. Studies suggest a brain-healthy diet may slow cognitive decline in seniors by up to 7.5 years.
Emphasis on Research
Research remains integral to MindMate. Collaborations with UK and US organisations support continual improvement.
For instance, a study conducted with the University of Glasgow demonstrated that users with early-stage Alzheimer’s experienced improved independence, quality of life, and slight memory gains after using the app for three months.
User data is also instrumental in refining the app. “We’re using user data to build profiles that may predict memory loss and enhance recommendations,” Renner explains.
Expansion Plans
With offices in Glasgow and LA, the business has grown to 10 employees and secured £2.8 million in funding from UK investors.
Future plans include translating the app into more languages and developing another app targeting a different health condition, focusing on individuals aged 55-60.
Renner emphasises the principle of self-management and healthier living, indicating a desire to address various conditions requiring assistance.
Balancing Business and Social Impact
Renner notes the dual advantages of their tech-for-good initiative: investor success and global impact.
He states, “It feels like we have the perfect combination of a successful business for investors and, at the same time, we can help millions of people all over the world – that’s very personal for us.”
Continuing the Mission
The team remains committed to its mission. Partnerships with research firms aim to further Alzheimer’s research and find potential cures.
Renner continues to split his time between both offices, driven by his desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cognitive decline.
MindMate stands as a beacon of innovation in the digital health landscape, proving that technology can play a pivotal role in health management.
As the company expands its horizons, it remains focused on its core values of research, self-management, and improving the quality of life for its users.