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What if you could advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s by simply taking a survey from your sofa? 

Researchers at Boston University and Savonix hope to enroll 400,000 people in a study nationwide that will search for the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The results could contribute to our ability to diagnose the disease.

“It’s a game-changer to be able to say, ‘Can we anticipate, diagnose, prevent dementia?’” said Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of Boston University’s School of Public Health, in a video. “If we can do that, we are going to improve the lives of millions.”

The study, known as the Assist study, can be accessed via computer, tablet or smartphone. 

“The good thing about this study is that people can do it from their own home,” said Reynald Hiole, director of marketing for Savonix, a brain health app.

Participation takes about 45 minutes. You will be asked to complete a confidential health questionnaire and then take a cognitive test via Savonix’s mobile app, which can be downloaded for free at savonix.com. The test, a series of brain teasers, takes about 20 minutes. 

After one year, researchers will contact you and ask you to answer the same questions again. The study is expected to last three years. 

People who use FitBits or Apple watches will be asked to share their electronic health data for the study, too. Researchers will note their Zip code, sleep quality and other lifestyle factors, such as tobacco or alcohol use.

“We’re going to look at all those factors together to see if there’s a correlation,” Hiole said. “We’re going to use artificial intelligence to look at that health data.”

Participants will be kept up-to-date on the study via emails from Savonix. At the end of the study, the company will share the results with participants first. In addition, after the study concludes, you will receive a report about your cognitive condition. 

There is no compensation for participation.

To participate, or for more details, visit assiststudy.org.