The FDA has approved an artificial intelligence-based test for early detection of dementia that can be carried out on an iPad in five minutes. The CognICA Integrated Cognitive Assessment (ICA) test developed by London, UK-based company Cognetivity Neurosciences has been approved by the FDA as an alternative to traditional pen-and-paper tests with some key advantages, according to its developer. Those include high sensitivity to detect early-stage cognitive impairment, which could allow early intervention with treatment or lifestyle changes that might help to slow down the progression of dementia. The digital format also helps to avoid cultural or educational bias in testing, and helps to avoid scenarios where people tested on multiple occasions learn how to score better, masking increases in impairment, said Cognetivity. It can also be carried out unsupervised, saving time and money for health systems and making it particularly suitable for assessments when access to care may be restricted, or to allow ongoing monitoring of patients without clinic visits.