Smartphone- or tablet-based memory tests can capture cogntive decline more quickly than conventional testing. These findings come from a study by DZNE in collaboration with university hospitals in Germany, the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the US, and the start-up “neotiv”. In the researchers’ view, digital tests like these could help accelerate clinical trials for new dementia drugs, particularly regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Over the longer term, they also see potential for use in clinical routine. The results were published in the scientific journal “npj Digital Medicine” and are based on data from about 200 older adults.

Virtually all people with Down syndrome develop brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease by age 40, and approximately 95% will go on to develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s, now the leading cause of death among adults with Down syndrome. John and Tami Marick understand firsthand the devastating effects Alzheimer’s disease has on loved ones, and the risk it poses to those with Down syndrome. The Maricks launched the JTMF Foundation in 2021 to fulfill a mission to improve the lives of people in need, including empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Maricks fortuitously met Michael Rafii, MD, PhD, medical director of the USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) and principal investigator of the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium – Down syndrome (ACTC-DS). As a result, the JTMF Foundation has expanded its footprint with a game-changing $3.3 million gift to USC to fund three main initiatives: funding five gold-standard Vanguard Clinical Trial Sites in the United States for four years; supporting the launch of a clinical trial site at Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) to bring access to advances in Alzheimer’s treatments to individuals with Down syndrome in the area; and funding the first-of-its-kind Research Ambassador Program employing individuals with Down syndrome at clinical trial sites.