Development and Commercialization of a Brain Training App Targeting the Vietnamese Elderly

The increase in the aging population leads to an increase in age-related disorders such as dementia. Therefore, the cognitive games on mobile application has been developed for the elderly in Vietnam to improve cognition and prevent cognitive function deterioration. Four cognitive training games in BrainTrain app focused on cognitive domains such as Memory, Attention, Language and Math. Besides that, this app was evaluated via feedback from practical testing with 20 seniors aged 58 to 83. Also, the financial analysis viability of the project was presented to generate a business plan. Four main cognitive exercises developed in BrainTrain include Memory Matrix Span, Match Symbols, Word Jumble, and Mental Arithmetic, corresponding to four cognitive domains mentioned above. The results showed that six people (30%) answered that they were entirely willing to use BrainTrain for cognitive training. Four people (20%) were confused because they did not know the reliability and effectiveness of BrainTrain. Ten people (50%) were unwilling to install BrainTrain because of their utilizing technology devices skills deficiency. Based on customer validation survey and app development orientation, the price of BrainTrain is expected to be 15,000 VND per month. The number of users is estimated to reach 4000 users by 2024 in Viet Nam. Cognitive games play an essential role in improving cognition and preventing dementia. However, the elderly in Vietnam still find it challenging to approach this method; thus, it is essential to help the elderly enhance positive attitudes toward smartphones to self-monitor health with medical applications.