Study to Investigate Wearables and Phones for Monitoring Cognition

A collaboration between Apple (Cupertino, CA) and Biogen (Cambridge, MA) will investigate use of Apple watches and phones for use in monitoring cognitive performance and screening for decline in cognitive health, including the presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). 

Significant delays exist in identifying declines in cognitive health, including MCI, which affects 15% to 20% of adults over age 65. 

The virtual, multiyear, observational study will launch later in 2021 and will include young and aging adults with a range of cognitive performance abilities. The study’s primary objectives are to develop digital biomarkers to help monitor cognitive performance and identify early signs of MCI.

Participants will complete a detailed consent form listing the types of data that will be collected and how each type may be used and shared.   

“The successful development of digital biomarkers in brain health would help address the significant need to accelerate patient diagnoses and empower physicians and individuals to take timely action,” said Michel Vounatsos, CEO, Biogen. “For healthcare systems, such advancements in cognitive biomarkers from large-scale studies could contribute significantly to prevention and better population-based health outcomes, and lower costs to health systems. Bringing together the best of neuroscience with the best of technology creates a wonderful prospect for patients and public health.”