A new virtual reality game developed by researchers in the UK could help doctors diagnose the first stages of dementia.

The game will allow scientists to collect data on one of the earliest signs of the degenerative condition — the ability to navigate.

Sea Hero Quest VR, which is already available in mobile form, challenges you to captain a boat through various tasks testing your navigation skills as you go.

As more and more individuals play the game, researchers hope to create a benchmark for standard performance and eventually create a new test for early onset dementia.