Biogen (NSDQ:BIIB) today announced a virtual research study in collaboration with Apple (NSDQ:AAPL) for monitoring and screening cognitive health.
The multi-year, observational research study, set to be launched later this year, is slated to investigate the role Apple Watch and iPhone could play in monitoring cognitive performance and screening for a decline in cognitive health, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a news release.
Cambridge, Mass.-based Biogen said the study will enroll participants, including young and aging adults, with a wide range of cognitive performance to achieve primary objectives including the development of digital biomarkers for monitoring cognitive performance over time and the identification of early signs of MCI.
“Cognitive decline can be an early symptom of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia. 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,” Biogen CEO Michel Vounatsos said in the release. “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.”
“Working in collaboration with Biogen, we hope this study can help the medical community better understand a person’s cognitive performance by simply having them engage with their Apple Watch and iPhone,” added Apple COO Jeff Williams. “We’re looking forward to learning about the impact our technology can have in delivering better health outcomes through improved detection of declining cognitive health.”
