INSIGHT Stage 2 Update

Responses to Personalised Results

INSIGHT Stage 2 Update

In our previous news article, we shared that Stage 1 of the INSIGHT project (the co‑design phase) had been successfully completed. We’re now pleased to update you on Stage 2, following the launch of the pilot personalised-results dashboard. This dashboard was offered to a randomised group of 450 ISLAND Project participants, selected from the 2000 who had expressed interest. 

Participants represented a broad cross‑section of our ISLAND community, and included people with differing genetic, biological, and cognitive profiles. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 

  • INSIGHT, who received the full personalised dashboard 

  • General, who received access to generalised results 

  • Control, who did not receive results during the study period 

All participants completed baseline surveys about their dementia risk, mood, and quality of life. Those in the INSIGHT group were given the choice of which results they wished to receive - biological, cognitive, or genetic. The vast majority chose to access all available information, demonstrating strong motivation and curiosity about their health. 


How Participants Felt About Receiving Their Results 

INSIGHT participants generally responded very positively. Before receiving results, most participants reported little or no concern about receiving personalised health information. After viewing their results, an even greater share said they were happy with their decision. 

large majority shared their results with a healthcare professional, and many also discussed them with friends or family members. Most said they would recommend the experience to others, highlighting the value they saw in receiving these personalised insights. 

While responses were overwhelmingly positive, a small number of participants did experience some anxiety after viewing their results. Identifying these emotional responses is an important part of our research, helping us better understand how to support people when sharing sensitive health information. 


Changes in Dementia Risk Behaviours 

Between the beginning and end of the study, participants in the INSIGHT group showed the greatest improvement in their Dementia Risk Profile (DRP). Many reduced behaviours linked with higher dementia risk and increased behaviours associated with better long‑term brain health. These findings suggest that receiving personalised results can empower people to make meaningful, health‑supporting changes. 


Why This Matters 

Your participation is helping us understand how personalised results shape people’s feelings, choices, and wellbeing. What we are learning is already informing how ISLAND shares information - ensuring that future communications are clearer, more supportive, and more empowering for participants across the program. 

Thank you for being part of this important work. We look forward to sharing more updates as the INSIGHT project continues to grow and evolve. We are planning on a wider roll-out and will be in touch later in the year with more details.