By Kim Rodriguez, CEO, BrainCheck
I had the privilege of attending the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2024 in Philadelphia last week, the world’s largest forum for dementia research. Each year the event brings together the brightest minds in Alzheimer’s research, clinical practice, and advocacy, to share new insights and engage in inspiring discussions – and this year was no exception.
In our collective effort to advance cognitive health, several key themes emerged. Below are my top 5 takeaways from AAIC 2024.
1. The importance of early detection
As researchers presented compelling studies supporting pharmaceutical treatments, blood biomarkers, and imaging technologies, it became clear: early detection of cognitive impairment has never been more important.
At BrainCheck, we are particularly excited about how these developments align with our mission to empower providers, patients, and people across generations to take action – anytime, anywhere, and on any device – for earlier, better, longer brain health.
But while these innovations offer newfound hope across the Alzheimer’s and dementia community, cognitive assessments like BrainCheck still stand as the first line of defense against impairment. With new therapies most effective in patients with early-onset disease, and blood biomarkers only intended for patients demonstrating symptoms, digital cognitive assessments like BrainCheck remain a crucial first step in catching signs of impairment at the earliest possible stage.
2. The role of digital health in cognitive care
The integration of digital health solutions into cognitive care also continued to be a key focus for many attending the conference. With prevalence of cognitive impairment on the rise, clinicians need new solutions not only to make cognitive assessments more accessible but also to track cognitive changes over time, offering personalized care pathways. It’s inspiring to see how technology is bridging gaps in care and providing new avenues to enhance patient care.
The demand for new technologies like BrainCheck was evident throughout the conference, particularly in the BrainCheck booth, where attendees were encouraged to take a 3-minute BrainCheck Screen to discover how our quick and effective screening tool can easily be deployed anytime, anywhere – even in remote settings.
Attendees eager to take the test streamed out of our booth and into the walkway, showcasing the high demand for a digital solution to streamline and simplify screening. Fortunately, as the test only takes a few minutes, hundreds of participants were able to experience the benefits our technology offers firsthand.
3. Lifestyle factors in disease prevention
A compelling new study presented at AAIC found up to 45% of dementia is preventable by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, highlighting the critical role of lifestyle in the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s disease. With other findings ranging from environmental pollution to diet and exercise, AAIC brought forth compelling new evidence to empower patients and providers with critical guidance that can significantly impact brain health.
As we partner with clinicians from primary care to specialists to promote proactive screening, detect early signs of decline, and enable personalized, evidence-based care planning, empowering patients with knowledge and tools to manage their brain health proactively is a key part of our vision. Our solutions are helping to empower early detection, when small changes can make a big difference.
4. The importance of inclusivity
Diversity and inclusion in research and care emerged as key themes throughout the conference. There is a growing recognition of the need to include diverse populations in clinical trials and research studies to ensure that findings are broadly applicable. Strategies to address disparities in access to care, particularly for underrepresented communities, are crucial.
At BrainCheck, we are committed to ensuring that our tools are accessible and relevant to a diverse range of populations. By offering the ability to deploy cognitive testing in multiple languages on any internet-connected device, we are lowering barriers to care. We are also continually expanding our normative database and working to understand and address the unique needs of various communities.
5. Global collaboration and partnerships
AAIC underscored the power of collaboration in advancing the field of dementia research and care. From public-private partnerships to international research collaborations, there was a strong sense of shared purpose and collective action.
Alzheimer’s disease is a global challenge, and tackling it requires a united effort across borders. The sharing of research, clinical practices, and policy advancements fosters a collaborative environment where innovations can thrive.
At BrainCheck, we value our partnerships with global organizations and researchers, believing that by working together, we can accelerate the pace of discovery and implementation of effective solutions. We are proud to be part of this collaborative landscape, working with healthcare providers, researchers, and organizations nationwide to make a difference, together.
Reflecting on the advancements in Alzheimer’s research and treatment at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), it’s clear that significant strides have been made, but there is still much work ahead. The introduction of new technologies to bridge the gap between the prevalence and diagnosis of cognitive impairments is exciting. However, meaningful change requires a collective effort.
At BrainCheck, we remain committed to empowering individuals and healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge needed to proactively manage brain health – from baseline measurements to action plans. We believe it’s time to tip the scales from cognitive decline to cognitive resilience. As the industry ushers in a new era for brain health, we are dedicated to making digital cognitive assessments easy for clinicians to integrate into routine wellness visits and empowering individuals to have a better brain health journey. By enabling greater possibilities for earlier detection and better outcomes, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cognitive impairment.
