Web-Based Diagnostic for Identification of Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Impairment

Emory University
posted on 02/02/2010

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Highlights

Web-based diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other diseases causing cognitive impairment that:

• Does not require expensive, special equipment or trained personnel,
• Is widely available to anyone with access to a computer connected to the internet,
• Allows for earlier, accurate diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases.

Technical Summary

This technology identifies patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and potential Alzheimer's disease using web-based software and algorithms to administer a Visual Paired Comparison (VPC) test. The test can be administered from any computer connected to the internet, without the use of complicated and expensive eye-tracking equipment or trained personnel that are traditionally required for these assessments.  Early identification of MCI and Alzheimer's symptoms is critical in order to take greatest advantage of available therapies.  Using this new web-based VPC test makes early identification of these conditions easier and more affordable.

This unique web-based VPC task exposes the subject to blurred images that become clear as the subject drags the mouse over the image.  Unique algorithms monitor patient behavior which identifies patients displaying the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.  Testing has shown that this web-based VPC test gives comparable results to the traditional eye tracking-based test.

Developmental Stage & Potential Market

• Pending patent applications.
• May be useful for testing individuals over 45 years of age with familial Alzheimer's risks and all other individuals over 55 years of age at risk for mild cognitive impairment.
• Validation results show web-based VPC testing gives results comparable to traditional eye-tracking methodology.