Digital Healthcare Platform for Dementia Diagnosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Digital Healthcare Platform for Dementia Diagnosis
IRAS ID
129034
Contact name
Dennis Chan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
IXICO
Research summary
Improving diagnosis rates of dementia is a key NHS objective. This challenge is compounded by the increasing prevalence of dementia as the population ages, and the likelihood that future disease modifying treatments for dementia will be most effective when administered at an early stage in the disease. There is a need for cost effective and scalable tests that assist with the diagnostic process. In particular distinguishing patients that are best managed locally from those who require referral to a specialist centre. Brain scanning and cognitive testing are well established parts of the clinical workup for patients with possible dementia. This project will compare current practice with a new technology supported approach in which computerized cognitive testing and computerized analysis of brain scans are used to provide a report to assist in diagnosis. Patients who present at their GPs with memory problems will be randomized into 2 groups: Both groups will have a research nurse visit them in their home for a baseline assessment. One group will have a CT scan (current practice), and the other will be sent to a “Brain Health Centre“ where they receive a computerized cognitive test and MRI scan with computerized analysis and vascular lesion scores. Both groups will then participate in the standard clinical pathway using the local memory assessment services. The results will be analysed in terms of the appropriateness of specialist referral from the two groups, confidence of diagnosis, time to diagnosis, and time to treatment.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1139
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion