CognoMND
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CognoMND: An automated cognitive and behaviour assessment tool based on language (utilising automated speech recognition and machine learning)
IRAS ID
330096
Contact name
Leslie Ing
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
STH22559, STH Number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to develop CognoMND, a fully automated online assessment tool to detect problems with thinking ability (cognition) and behaviour in people living with motor neuron disease (MND). CognoMND will offer a unique approach to testing by analysing patients’ speech patterns to detect changes to cognition and behaviour. This tool will be designed so it can be used at home by patients, without the need for direct clinician involvement.
The technology behind CognoMND will be adapted from our existing CognoSpeak tool used in testing memory problems. The technology will be developed for use in MND patients and their caregivers to test areas of cognition that can be affected in MND, such as attention, language, and social behaviour.
The tool will display a computer-generated human face that asks patients and caregivers questions. Spoken answers will be recorded and run through our program to look for speech patterns that indicate problems to cognition and behaviour. Changes that are detected can trigger a specialist appointment with a clinician for further assessment. The process will be fully automatic, quick and easy to use.
At present it often takes a long time before thinking and behaviour problems are diagnosed accurately. The results of this study could feed into future clinical trials of efficacy, tolerability and feasibility of utilising CognoMND as a cognitive diagnostic aid. This in turn could allow doctors to diagnose cognitive and behavioural problems more accurately and more quickly by using this computer system to ask questions and record answers about their cognitive problems.
We do not consider this to be a medical device as the data generated from this form will not change or diagnose patients.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
23/WS/0146
Date of REC Opinion
27 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion