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A groundbreaking study led by researchers from DZNE, the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison has unveiled a novel approach to detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Published in the scientific journal npj Digital Medicine, the study demonstrates how dedicated memory tests on smartphones can accurately identify MCI, paving the way for early intervention and treatment.
The research, based on data from 199 older adults, highlights the potential of mobile apps for Alzheimer’s disease research, clinical trials, and routine medical care. The app evaluated in the study, developed by the Magdeburg-based company “neotiv,” is now being offered to medical doctors to aid in the early detection of memory problems.
Prof. Emrah Düzel, a senior neuroscientist at DZNE and the University of Magdeburg, underscores the importance of the new approach, stating, “It has advantages if you can carry out such tests on your own and only have to visit the doctor’s office to evaluate the results.” Düzel, also an entrepreneur in medical technology, emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis in light of recent developments in Alzheimer’s therapy.
The study compared remote at-home memory tests with traditional in-clinic assessments, revealing that the novel method is comparable to established evaluations and can detect MCI with high accuracy. Dr. David Berron, lead author of the study and research group leader at DZNE, explains, “This technology has enormous potential to provide clinicians with information that they cannot obtain during a patient visit to the clinic.”
Participants in the study, located in Germany and the USA, used the neotiv app to complete memory assessments over a period of at least six weeks, using their own smartphones or tablets. Lindsay Clark, lead investigator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, notes the convenience and satisfaction of participants with the digital platform.
The app’s assessments are interactive and address different areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. “Our study shows that memory complaints can be meaningfully assessed using this digital, remote, and unsupervised approach,” says Düzel.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to conduct further studies with larger study groups to track the progression of Alzheimer’s disease over time. The ultimate goal is to provide medical doctors and patients with valuable insights into cognitive health and enable early intervention to improve patient outcomes.
