C-PLACID:Assessing cognition in dementia using adapted/novel paradigms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Computational PLatform for Assessment of Cognition In Dementia (C-PLACID)
IRAS ID
172406
Contact name
Sebastian Crutch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Office
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2015/03/169, UCL Data Protection Registration Number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The aim of this initiative is to improve upon our current assessments of different aspects of cognition in persons with dementia, focusing particularly on the tests’ potential to act as a powerful diagnostic tool. Current cognitive assessments certainly have their limitations; for instance, their reliance on complex instructions and/or a failure to assess some aspects of cognition in a realistic way. For this reason, traditional assessments are perceived as an inferior resource when compared with neuroanatomical measures (i.e. MRI scans) to conclude a diagnosis. We first propose to alter this perspective by collaborating with the UCL Computer Science Department, in applying the same mathematical, engineering and statistical analyses used to detect anatomical changes in the brain to current cognitive assessment data. This approach involves building computer algorithms and event-based models using existing test scores from a number of different tests and participant groups. This will tap into the previously unseen potential of these cognitive assessments to not only detect subtle changes in scores to diagnostically separate one clinical cohort from another, but evaluate this data to accurately predict the time-frame and trajectory of an individual’s cognitive decline that is yet to occur. This initiative also calls for the improvement of cognitive assessments through adaptation and innovation. We propose to incorporate physiological measures that can provide additional relevant information about an individual’s cognition, such as voice reaction-times and eye movements, into existing neuropsychological batteries. We will also pilot the development of two innovative paradigms; firstly, a paradigm that will not require the participant to follow any instructions, but will simply form a conclusion about cognitive status from information taken from the eye movements of participants when watching a screen. Secondly, we will investigate the potential of virtual reality scenarios to adequately assess an individual's social cognition in a realistic manner.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0827
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion