Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have developed a digital cognitive test called BioCog that is intended to facilitate the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in primary care. The test enables early and precise detection of cognitive impairment in order to specifically select patients for further blood tests. The aim is to make diagnostics more efficient, especially in the face of new disease-modifying treatments that are not suitable for every patient.

The study, conducted on two patient groups with a total of over 600 people, shows that the test can be carried out independently on a tablet. It tests cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, orientation, delayed recall and recognition. Compared to traditional pen and paper tests, the digital approach provides more detailed results by measuring additional variables such as response time or processing speed. If there is evidence of cognitive impairment, a blood test is recommended, which detects phosphorylated tau in the brain and can confirm Alzheimer’s pathology with high accuracy.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but not all cognitive impairment is due to the condition. Other causes such as depression or other forms of dementia must be ruled out. The new test aims to support primary care primary care physicians, who often do not have the time or specialized resources for comprehensive examinations. Currently, blood tests for Alzheimer’s diagnosis are only available in specialized clinics, but in the long term they are also to be used in primary care.

The researchers emphasize that the BioCog test is specifically designed for patients in health centers seeking medical advice for memory problems. The combination of digital test and blood test significantly increases the accuracy of the diagnosis. The test measures, among other things, how quickly patients process information or how long it takes them to recognize words. This objective data helps physicians make informed decisions about further diagnostic steps.

The approach could revolutionize diagnostics in primary care, as it offers a fast, objective and resource-saving method. In view of the increasing importance of early diagnoses for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, the test is seen as an important step in identifying patients with potential Alzheimer’s pathology at an early stage and treating them in a targeted manner.

Original Paper:

Primary care detection of Alzheimer’s disease using a self-administered digital cognitive test and blood biomarkers | Nature Medicine

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pTau217 in sight: Prof. Findeisen on the pilot project on the importance of blood-based biomarkers in Alzheimer’s diagnostics – MedLabPortal

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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