Digital

We now run a digital biomarker initiative called the Early Detection of FTD (EDoF) study. This aims to develop a series of measures that may be useful for diagnosis and for home monitoring, particularly as outcome measures in trials. It acts as an incubator of ideas that we can then translate into the GENFI study, and currently includes:

• Testing a novel methodology that involves passively measuring smartphone use – a collaborative project with Applied Cognition
• Detailed cognitive testing using a computerised battery on a tablet called Ignite
• Measurement of eye movements and cognition using a mobile eye tracker
• Analysis of speech and language through machine learning algorithms
• Actigraphy and sleep monitoring using a Fitbit device
• Assessment of upper limb function – a collaboration with the Predict PD project
• Gait analysis – a collaborative project with the Newcastle Brain and Movement group
• Measurement of early motor nerve dysfunction with surface EMG – a collaboration with the King’s College London ALS group