Decades of intensive research into these conditions has revealed that early diagnosis is essential in delaying the progression of the disease - potentially allowing the patient many years more of good brain health. Essentially, the sooner the warning signs are spotted, the more can be done to keep an individual’s brain in good shape over the years ahead.

But the technology that enables the detection of early warning signs has been locked away in research labs, only used in trials, or, occasionally, to monitor elite athletes at risk from multiple concussions. That is, until now.

London-based startup MYndspan is leading a mission to democratise brain health and make this brain scanning technology accessible to the general public. MYndspan’s service is powered by a 25-minute session of app-based games to test cognitive function like attention and memory, followed by a 10-minute magnetoencephalogy (MEG) brain scan – during which a user sits in a chair, with their head in a scanner like an old fashioned hair dryer. MYndspan then provides people with an easy-to-understand report of their brain health within 24-hours – supporting individuals to assess how lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise and diet affect their brain activity and function.

What is MEG technology?

MEG technology is a non-invasive brain scanning technology that measures the brain's electrical signals with pinpoint precision, to provide an accurate map of brain activity – the hardest part is trying not to fall asleep during the scan. MEG has been used for over 30 years, to clinically support people with epilepsy, by locating the source of seizures, and in research to study concussion and other conditions like neurodegenerative disease  – even before symptoms like memory loss, emerge.

MEG’s potentially life-changing insights offer hope to many of those impacted by neurological conditions or concerned about the health of their brain.

Quantifying brain health

MYndspan, a brain and wellness analytics startup was founded by ex VP of Operations at brain imaging company Croton Healthcare, Caitlin Baltzer and former CEO of global brain imaging leader MEGIN, Janne Huhtala in 2020, to empower people to take control of their brain health in the same way as other aspects of our health.

MYndspan’s data-driven quantification of brain health is designed to be used over time and compared to future brain scans – doing so enables trends in brain activity to be monitored, providing individuals with an accurate picture of their brain health. Any changes can then be identified promptly, allowing individuals to make informed health choices that could help delay the onset of neurological disease, like seeking timely medical intervention or making positive lifestyle changes.

Empowered health decisions

MYndspan’s service is ideal for people simply wanting to learn more about their brain health, those interested in improving their mental wellbeing, or worried about their risk factors for neurological diseases. For athletes who have experienced concussion, a baseline scan can be invaluable in quantifying the impact on their brain, monitoring their recovery and informing potentially life changing decisions about when to return to play safely – protecting both their cognitive longevity and future playing career.

Today, MYndspan has partnered with leaders within the MEG and brain health industry to educate thousands of people across the UK on how their brain is behaving and why. 

Their recent collaboration with award winning cognitive health provider Re:Cognition Health, will provide Re:Cognition Health’s patients with access to detailed data about their brain health, and how it might have improved in response to treatment – helping to better inform the care they receive.

As they continue working towards their mission to empower people with their own brain health data in 2023, MYndspan’s team are dedicated to expanding their offering and creating a future where we all understand as much about our brain health as we do our physical health.