The kick-off meeting of the ‘AD Detect and Prevent’ project was held on 23rd November 2018 and since then, the project has been progressing well. Researchers at Oxford and Brain+ have pilot tested the ADDP solution, from which valuable insights were gained. The work involves close collaboration between academia and industry. Key work and main results include: based on user and pilot testing results, one of the four prototypes of the AD detection test developed in previous reporting period has been chosen for further refinement, iteration and integration. The AD detection test has been pivotal for the consortium’s co-development process of the adapted gamified version of the Alzheimer’s disease detection test, and many refinements and improvements to the original design specifications have been achieved as a consequence. The AD detection component was further iterated, improved based on rigorous testing, adapted to the different scientific study designs, and ultimately it was delivered on time and in great quality for the planned scientific investigations.
Meanwhile, specifications for the AD risk reduction component (cognitive training and lifestyle risk reduction programs) was further refined and adapted to the specific patient segment. The technical platform is fully prototyped, and the lifestyle programme content has been partially prototyped, with the remainder planned to be implemented in the coming period.
The scientific studies progressed well with the Oxford and Aarhus University trials are continuing its main phase of the investigation through the coronavirus pandemic when circumstances allow. The coronavirus crisis has had and will have a significant impact on the overall project’s timeline, and with the largest impact on the scientific studies (involving testing of humans participants). A number of actions has been initiated by the consortium to mitigate the impact as much as possible, e.g. Oxford began testing the AD detection test remotely, so the study could at least proceed, albeit at a slower pace. However, this was not possible for all the studies as in-person testing is a necessity for some trials, including both Aarhus and Nottingham studies.
Five PPI sessions have been successfully conducted so far, focusing on issues relating to cognitive screening and cognitive training technologies, as well as more general topics such as trust in technologies, digital device and motivation.
In parallel, go-to-market strategy and evidence strategy have been further explored and analysed, concrete action plans have been established. In the meantime, comprehensive dissemination activates continue and will intensify as more we gain more tangible production and study results in the coming months. The project is continuously warmly received by patients, clinicians, researchers and industry alike as a both meaningful and important effort.
The consortium has secured a 12-month project extension. Although this is unfortunate, such an extension can and will yield several benefits if utilized properly. Especially this is an opportunity to mature the product/technical solution even more in terms of usability and content and to build a stronger foundation for commercialization, while the delayed scientific studies are completed.
On the ethics front, all consortium partners that handle sensitive personal data have conducted a Data Protection Impact Assessment.
More information about the project on its website below and twitter account:
@addp_eu
Acknowledgement: This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme – Fast Track to Innovation (FTI), grant agreement 820636.
