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About DAC-SP
Early Detection Blueprint
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Contact
Canada
In Canada, there is a critical need to improve cognitive and biomarker assessments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, many cases of dementia are underdiagnosed or diagnosed late, as seen in an Ontario study where 31% of nursing home residents with cognitive decline were undiagnosed. The diagnosis challenges are due to AD's complexity, the large affected population, and limited access to diagnostic tools and specialists. To address these issues, the project explored training social workers at Alzheimer Society chapters and involving optometrists to conduct retinal imaging to screen for the presence of AD retinal biomarkers using RetiSpec’s AI.
This project evaluated the effectiveness of using community-based settings to increase cognitive assessments and detect AD through an AI-based eye test by RetiSpec. Adults aged 55 and older with memory concerns underwent cognitive assessments at local Alzheimer Society chapters and had RetiSpec. Results from the cognitive assessments were shared with primary care providers or nurse practitioners, who then discussed the findings with the participants.
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Study PI: Dr. Sharon Cohen, MD, FRCPC
Behavioural Neurologist and Medical Director of Toronto Memory Program
Industry lead: Catherine Bornbaum, PhD, MBA
Head of Clinical Operations & Partnerships, RetiSpec (Current role: Chief Business Officer at RetiSpec)
Canada
In Canada, there is a critical need to improve cognitive and biomarker assessments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, many cases of dementia are underdiagnosed or diagnosed late, as seen in an Ontario study where 31% of nursing home residents with cognitive decline were undiagnosed. The diagnosis challenges are due to AD's complexity, the large affected population, and limited access to diagnostic tools and specialists. To address these issues, the project explored training social workers at Alzheimer Society chapters and involving optometrists to conduct retinal imaging to screen for the presence of AD retinal biomarkers using RetiSpec’s AI.
This project evaluated the effectiveness of using community-based settings to increase cognitive assessments and detect AD through an AI-based eye test by RetiSpec. Adults aged 55 and older with memory concerns underwent cognitive assessments at local Alzheimer Society chapters and had RetiSpec. Results from the cognitive assessments were shared with primary care providers or nurse practitioners, who then discussed the findings with the participants.
A total of 916 individuals were screened, mainly from optometry settings (60.2%). Of these, 124 underwent cognitive assessments. Following these assessments, 96.8% discussed results with a clinician, and 37.9% consulted the study's Nurse Practitioner. Notably, 41.9% of those with memory concerns received an AD-related diagnosis. Participants who received RetiSpec scans rated them positively and expressed willingness for future scans, especially if covered financially. Interviews revealed benefits like comfortable screening and early detection, alongside risks such as follow-up delays, and highlighted facilitators including accessible settings and staff training, as well as barriers like stigma and communication gaps.
SC
Study PI: Dr. Sharon Cohen, MD, FRCPC
Behavioural Neurologist and Medical Director of Toronto Memory Program
CB
Industry lead: Catherine Bornbaum, PhD, MBA
Head of Clinical Operations & Partnerships, RetiSpec (Current role: Chief Business Officer at RetiSpec)
