New and Emerging Digital Technologies for the Detection of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease: a Horizon Scan

Over 500,000 people in England have a recorded diagnosis of dementia, of whom at least 40% have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in isolation or in combination with other pathologies. Timely diagnosis ensures that people get the help and support they need. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a term for subtle changes in memory, language and behaviour that do not impact on a person’s ability to function. People with MCI may develop AD or other dementias. This horizon scan, alongside an ultra-rapid evidence synthesis review, aimed to identify digital tests and devices which support the identification of MCI associated with early-stage AD. We searched clinical trial registries, news websites, patent databases, funding and regulatory agencies, and company websites, as well as three recently published systematic reviews. Eligible technologies were any digital tools to detect MCI or cognitive decline in adults without a current diagnosis of AD. 79 technologies were identified, classified as digitised versions of standard cognitive tests, newly developed digital cognitive tests, and digital devices that incorporate detection of MCI/cognitive decline. This work outlines digital technologies, at various development stages, that might complement emerging treatments in the care pathway by facilitating identification of AD at the earlier stages of clinical presentation.