Innovative Digital Cognitive Test Enhances Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in Primary Care

Alzheimer’s disease remains the leading cause of dementia worldwide, with early diagnosis crucial for effective management and treatment. As new disease-modifying therapies emerge, the need for efficient, accurate, and accessible diagnostic tools in primary care settings grows. Recognizing this, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have introduced a groundbreaking digital cognitive assessment designed specifically for primary care use.

This novel digital test allows patients to evaluate their cognitive function independently via a tablet computer, significantly reducing the demand on healthcare resources. It assesses multiple facets of cognition, including memory (such as memorizing and recalling words), processing speed, attention, orientation, and recognition abilities. Unique variables, like the speed of searching or tapping on the screen, are measured, offering a comprehensive picture of cognitive health that goes beyond traditional pen-and-paper tests.

The primary purpose of this digital tool is to help general practitioners identify individuals who may benefit from further testing, such as blood tests measuring phosphorylated tau—a biomarker for Alzheimer’s pathology. Currently, such blood tests are primarily available in specialized clinics, but in the future, they are expected to become accessible within primary care, enabling earlier and more precise diagnoses.

Professor Oskar Hansson explains that this digital assessment can overcome typical challenges faced in primary care, where time constraints and limited specialist knowledge hinder early diagnosis. The digital test provides an objective, detailed, and early indication of cognitive impairment, guiding physicians on which patients should undergo invasive and costly blood tests.

Combining the digital cognitive evaluation with blood biomarkers enhances accuracy, making it a valuable step in the diagnostic pathway. The ultimate goal is to streamline dementia detection, facilitate early intervention, and optimize resource allocation in healthcare.

The research highlights the importance of early detection for effective treatment, especially as new drugs become available. This digital approach aims to simplify the diagnostic process during routine primary care visits, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-digital-cognitive-early-alzheimer-screening.html