Apple and Biogen are teaming up to examine the possibility of using an Apple Watch and iPhone in detecting cognitive health decline.
Medical research group Biogen announced today that it is entering into a partnership with Apple in a new research study that seeks to look into the possibility of using devices like the Apple Watch and iPhone in detecting cognitive health decline. The collaborative study will attempt to locate digital biomarkers that can serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative ailments like Alzheimer's.
#macsecurity | #operatingsystem | Apple and Biogen announce new research study to investigate how Apple Watch can detect declines in cognitive health https://t.co/TIBocH46ks — National Cyber Security (@NcsVentures) January 12, 2021
Biogen stated that their observational research study is set to begin later this year, with both companies seeking to discover patterns in the data gathered by Apple Watch and iPhone's sensors. Researchers will then correlate the data and digital biomarkers with cognitive health function decline. If the research meets success, it would help physicians prescribe treatments earlier, which in turn can help minimize the debilitating effects of these types of neurodegenerative illnesses.
Medical professionals regard cognitive health function as a brain health indicator. According to Biogen and Apple, their new multi-year research study will involve both young and elderly adults with various ranges of cognitive performance. With the help of powerful technology in iPhone and Apple Watches, as well as Biogen's comprehensive neuroscience knowledge, researchers hope to identify and develop digital biomarkers that can assist in monitoring cognitive health function overtime. Researchers also hope such biomarkers can help in identifying early signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Biogen explained that MCI affects around 15% to 20% of adults aged 64 years and above. The main problem with MCI is its symptoms are typically subtle, meaning it might take months or even years before their health care providers notice and become aware of their medical condition. With the new research study that the medical group will conduct with Apple, researchers hope they can harness the technology in iPhone and Apple Watch that would allow them to identify digital biomarkers that will help monitor cognitive health function. "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," said Apple's Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams.
Williams also expressed optimism and excitement on the impact of Apple's technology can make in delivering better health treatment plans and outcomes through improved detection of cognitive health decline. Biogen's CEO, Michel Vounatsos, shared Williams' optimism and enthusiasm in conducting a new collaborative research study that seeks to find and develop cognitive health biomarkers with the help of the Apple Watch and iPhone. "For healthcare systems, such advancements in cognitive biomarkers from large-scale studies could contribute significantly to the 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," Vounatsos said.
