Groundbreaking Digital Test Measures Brain Chemistry in Minutes

A novel digital assessment developed by researchers at McGill University and created by Posit Science is transforming the way brain chemistry and cognitive performance can be measured. This innovative tool can be self-administered in just a few minutes using an internet-connected device, providing a scientific estimate of acetylcholine production in the brain, a key biomarker linked to cognitive health.

Acetylcholine, often referred to as the “pay attention” chemical, is crucial for various cognitive functions such as memory and learning. Research indicates that its production is downregulated in older adults and even more significantly in individuals with pre-dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias. Traditionally, measuring acetylcholine levels has been challenging. While Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging can evaluate this biomarker, the method is expensive, requires specialized expertise, and subjects participants to radiation, making it impractical for routine clinical use.

Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “Currently, it’s impossible for doctors to monitor this brain chemical despite its importance because it requires expensive imaging equipment and special expertise available at few research centres. This breakthrough shows a new path for routine monitoring of brain health by doctors and individuals.”

Revolutionizing Brain Health Assessment

The recent study involved 92 healthy older adults with an average age of 72. Participants completed the BrainHQ assessment known as “Double Decision,” alongside two other validated neuropsychological assessments and a PET scan to evaluate cholinergic neurotransmission. Findings revealed that better scores on the Double Decision assessment correlated with higher cholinergic function.

This indicates that the digital assessment can estimate cholinergic activity without the complexities and risks associated with PET scans. The brief assessment took an average of just three minutes to complete and demonstrated strong usability and reliability. Importantly, it remained sensitive to age variations within the narrow range of 65-83 years and was not influenced by demographic factors such as education level or gender.

The researchers concluded that their results support the adoption of this scalable form of biomarker-informed cognitive assessment, which is readily accessible to anyone with an internet-connected device.

A Step Forward in Dementia Research

The implications of this research extend beyond convenience. The cholinergic system, which produces acetylcholine, plays a significant role in overall brain health, influencing the brain’s ability to adapt and change—known as plasticity. Poor cholinergic function is associated with cognitive decline and the pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

By providing an accessible and efficient means to assess cholinergic function, this digital tool offers a potential pathway for early diagnosis and monitoring of cognitive health.

The research findings are published in the journal JMIR under the title “Association of a Brief Computerized Cognitive Assessment With Cholinergic Neurotransmission: Assessment Validation Study.” As the field of cognitive health continues to evolve, tools like this digital assessment could play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding and management of brain health.

In an age where technology is increasingly pivotal in healthcare, this development represents a promising advancement in the assessment of cognitive function, making it easier for both healthcare providers and individuals to monitor brain health effectively. Dr. Tim Sandle, Digital Journal’s Editor-at-Large for science news, noted that this could redefine cognitive assessments, bringing them into the digital age and making them more accessible for everyday use.