Cambridge Cognition plc, already a world leader in iPad based cognitive testing, now intend to enter the growing wearable technology sector, which could help shape the future of mental healthcare intervention. The Company today announced it has filed a new patent application covering ‘systems and methods for assessing cognitive function and symptoms of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions’, as well as commencing development activities for near-patient cognitive testing through wearable devices in its Healthcare business unit.
Smartwatches represent a clear opportunity because of their potential to continuously monitor day-to-day activities alongside biometric parameters such as pulse, movement, and voice and compare these measurements to a baseline that is normal for the individual. If the measured parameters deviate from the baseline Cambridge Cognition believe this event could then be used to trigger quick and specific cognitive tests for the individual to take through mobile and wearable devices. The combination of bio-behavioural measures and results from touchscreen cognitive tests would be used to build up a picture of a person’s mental function, identifying the very earliest signs of mental health issues that could indicate a range of neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, stress or anxiety disorders and many others.
The demand for early identification of the onset of mental health conditions such as dementia is increasing in order that early intervention can be instigated. As a result, the market for an early warning system is large and growing due to the frequency of disorders such as dementia among an aging population and the cost per patient for care.
Nick Kerton, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Cognition, said:
The novel technology around this patent builds nicely on our strategy going forward of providing technologies and products for early identification and intervention to maintain healthy mental wellbeing throughout life. With the increasing impact of dementia and mental illnesses on healthcare budgets, treating impairment early will have a significant positive impact on long term patient care
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