Since October 2022, Alzheimer Hellas in collaboration with Altoida and Eisai carries out the DNS (Digital Neuro Signature) study, which aims at the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Until now, detection methods have been cross-sectional and limited, with large cognitive tests that are done at a specific time and repeated after intervals. A plethora of external factors, such as motivation, attention, mood, etc., make the conducting of reliable diagnosis and the investigation for treatment efficacy difficult. In order to meet the challenge of these complications, the study using longitudinal testing, through a special application, manages to continuously elicit frequent, smaller pieces of cognitive information, for extended time periods. Through digital tools such as PCs, smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, the study monitors digital biomarkers of biological or behavioural data.
This data can be either active measurements, e.g. reaction time, or passive, like tremor or hesitation. Anyone who is at least 50 years old and has a smartphone device is eligible to participate in the study by visiting the Nursing Home of Alzheimer Hellas “Panagia Glykofiloussa”. To achieve a reliable diagnosis, participants are asked to follow a series of tests and assessments, carried out free of charge. Initially, cerebrospinal fluid is taken through lumbar puncture by an experienced neurologist, blood and saliva samples are taken and a neurological assessment is performed. In addition, a neuropsychological assessment is carried out by experienced psychologists, with information collected from participants and caregivers. Measurements related to motor and cognitive activities are carried out with the Altoida application via a tablet.
At the end, participants receive a smartwatch connected to their mobile device and, with guidance from the research staff, instructions are given for its use. Each participant is required to wear the smartwatch and synchronise the data with the smartphone application. All data is collected remotely for the assessment of participants’ cognitive and motor activities. Finally, MRI, FDG and Amyloid PET scans are prescribed for chosen participants. The participant is invited to visit the centre, for examinations and reassessments, at one-year intervals after the initial visit and for a total of five years. The physician in charge reports the results and the diagnosis. Participants with positive biomarkers for AD have direct access to all medicines approved by the European Medicines Agency. The early detection of AD leads to early initiation of treatment, an opportunity to participate in clinical trials and prepare for the future.
