Can Smartphones and Wearable Devices Measure Cognition?

In a proof-of-concept study, unsupervised assessments of brain health identified mild cognitive impairment.

Many older adults have subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) before presenting for care. These individuals may be at increased risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subsequent dementia. Clinic visits capture snapshots of cognition. Can mobile applications and passive data from smartphones monitor brain health more frequently and flag MCI earlier?

More than 23,000 adults in the U.S. (age range, 21–86 years; 64% female; 68% white) signed up for this industry-sponsored study. Researchers used baseline data to classify participants as having intact cognition (controls), SCC, or MCI. Participants downloaded an iPhone app, wore a study-supplied Apple Watch, and completed frequent tests on their phones. Passive data included typing dynamics,…

Reviewing Author

Jennifer Rose V. Molano, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Center for Advancing Translational Science – Cincinnati Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training

Editorial BoardsBrain & Life

Jennifer Rose V. Molano, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Center for Advancing Translational Science – Cincinnati Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training

Editorial BoardsBrain & Life

Can Smartphones and Wearable Devices Measure Cognition?

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Reviewing Author