As research into Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) evolves, so too must the tools used to assess and understand its impact. DATAcc by DiMe recently led a collaborative project that resulted in the Core Set of Digital Measures of ADRD, a patient-centered initiative designed to prioritize what truly matters in the daily lives of those affected. Among the key partners to this initiative is Cambridge Cognition, a leader in cognitive assessment technologies, whose validated tools for visuospatial memory and expressive communication are shaping the future of ADRD research.

A shared vision

For Cambridge Cognition, the decision to join DATAcc by DiMe’s ADRD project was driven by a clear need to cut through the noise in the field. “There are a lot of technologies and vendors out there,” said Dr. Jessica Robin, Head of Clinical Science at Cambridge Cognition. “When we heard DiMe was working to bring consensus and focus to ADRD research, that was incredibly appealing.”

More than just scientific rigor, patient voices were central to the initiative’s approach. “As technology developers, we don’t always have direct access to patient feedback,” Robin explained. “DiMe’s ability to engage patients and care partners directly was a game-changer for us. It ensured that the measures being developed would be scientifically sound and relevant and meaningful to those living with ADRD.”

Beyond offering structure, DiMe played another key role—acting as a trusted, neutral third party. “When industry does patient research, it can be hard to build trust,” Robin noted. “DiMe facilitated an independent, unbiased process that people could rely on, ensuring that the best solutions were being elevated.”

Validating what matters

Through the initiative, the project team identified four key domains for measuring ADRD: visuospatial memory, expressive communication, sleep disruption, and non-sedentary behavior. This confirmation was a validating moment for Cambridge Cognition.

“We suspected visuospatial memory and expressive communication were critical, but we didn’t have a systematic framework to back it up,” Robin shared. “Seeing those domains recognized reinforced that we were measuring the right things.”

Cambridge Cognition’s contributions to the project include two major tools:

• Paired Associates Learning (PAL) Test: A well-established digital cognitive test assessing visuospatial memory, which has been used in ADRD trials for years.
• Voice-Based Assessments (Winterlight & Neurovocalix): Speech analysis tools designed to capture expressive communication challenges through naturalistic, open-ended speech tasks, such as picture descriptions.

These tools are scientifically validated AND designed with patients in mind. “We want people to feel comfortable,” Robin explained. “There are no time pressures or negative feedback in the voice tasks—just a natural way for patients to express themselves.”

Bringing innovation to scale

One of Cambridge Cognition’s key priorities is accessibility. “It’s not just about proving efficacy; it’s about making these tools usable at scale,” Robin emphasized. Ongoing advancements include:

• Expanding to smartphones: Previously available only via browser or tablet, PAL is now being validated for smartphone use, making it more adaptable for remote and hybrid trials.
• Multilingual and cultural adaptability: Ensuring that language and cultural context don’t become barriers to accurate cognitive assessment.
• Reducing patient burden: By designing intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that enhance engagement and compliance.

Collaboratively setting a standard for the future

Beyond tool development, Cambridge Cognition sees the DATAcc Core Measures of ADRD project as a foundation for broader change. “Right now, the field lacks consistency,” Robin said. “With so many different tools and vendors, it can be difficult to compare data across studies. We hope this initiative serves as a centering influence, helping to align research and accelerate progress.”

Regulatory acceptance remains a hurdle. “New digital tools are still validated against traditional paper-based tests,” Robin pointed out. “We need to evolve our gold standards. If we continue measuring new tools against old ones, we limit innovation. Projects like this one are critical to moving the field forward.”

Cambridge Cognition sees their work with DiMe as just the beginning. “We want to continue expanding into other therapeutic areas and even into non-CNS conditions where cognitive safety is a concern,” Robin said. “Memory, cognition, and communication play a role in many diseases, and we’re eager to explore where else we can make an impact.”

At the heart of it all is a belief in the power of collaboration. “DiMe brings together stakeholders from across the ecosystem—patients, researchers, regulators, and industry leaders,” Robin said. “That kind of multi-stakeholder model is essential for real progress. No single entity can solve these challenges alone.”

What comes next?

While the Core Set of Digital Measures of ADRD provides a strong conceptual framework, the next step will be translating these into practical research applications. “We’re focused on demonstrating how our tools best measure these domains and building the validation evidence needed for regulatory pathways,” Robin explained. “This is how we move from concept to clinical impact.”

For Cambridge Cognition and DiMe, the journey doesn’t end here. By ensuring that ADRD research is both scientifically rigorous and patient-centered, we can ensure more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes.

If you have any questions or would like to continue the conversation about advancing ADRD research and digital assessment tools, feel free to contact the Cambridge Cognition Team at enquiries@camcog.com.