In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, detecting cognitive changes can be challenging, especially among older adults who are still considered cognitively normal. However, a recent study conducted by investigators from Mass General Brigham suggests that daily testing on smartphones may provide a more efficient and less labor-intensive way to detect amyloid-related changes in memory, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This development is particularly significant as research in Alzheimer’s treatment moves towards the preclinical stage, where individuals may be at varying levels of risk and show subtle signs of decline that are otherwise undetectable.
The study involved 164 cognitively unimpaired older adults aged between 60 and 91. Of these participants, 36 were classified as having elevated amyloid levels, while 128 were found to be amyloid-negative. In addition to completing standard cognitive tests using pencil and paper at a clinic, 123 participants followed up after one year. The results indicated that individuals with elevated amyloid levels exhibited a diminished learning curve during the smartphone-based cognitive tests. Furthermore, those with a diminished learning curve had a higher risk of experiencing cognitive decline, as indicated by more traditional measures of cognitive function, over the course of one year.
According to the study’s corresponding author, Kathryn Papp, Ph.D., from the Department of Neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, these findings provide insights into the specific type of memory decline that occurs during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This information could be instrumental in improving the measurement of treatment effects in future clinical trials, as well as monitoring the risk of cognitive decline in a large aging population.
The researchers plan to expand on these findings by conducting a clinical trial using the BRANCH paradigm. The aim is to further investigate the effectiveness of smartphone-based cognitive testing in identifying individuals who are most suitable for secondary prevention trials for Alzheimer’s disease.
The potential of daily smartphone testing for Alzheimer’s-related changes in memory is promising due to its convenience and efficiency. By utilizing smartphones, which are now widely accessible to older adults, this form of cognitive testing could become more widely implemented, preventing the need for frequent visits to clinics and allowing individuals to comfortably undergo testing in their own homes.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing global health concern, and the need for earlier detection and intervention has become increasingly apparent. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing efforts in researching and developing effective strategies for the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. With the continued advancement of smartphone technology, this form of cognitive testing has the potential to be a valuable tool in the fight against this debilitating disease.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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