Introduction: We present a screening method for early dementia using features based on sound objects as voice biomarkers. Methods: The final dataset used for machine learning models consisted of 266 observations, with a distribution of 186 healthy individuals, 46 diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and 34 with MCI. This method is based on six-second recordings of the sustained vowel /a/ spoken by the subject. The main original contribution of this work is the use of carefully crafted features based on sound objects. This approach allows one to first represent the sound spectrum in a more accurate way than the standard spectrum, and then build interpretable features containing relevant information about subjects' control over their voice. Results: ROC AUC obtained in this work for distinguishing healthy subjects from those with MCI was 0.85, while accuracy was 0.76. For distinguishing between healthy subjects and those with either MCI or Alzheimer's the results were 0.84, 0.77, respectively. Conclusion: The use of features based on sound objects enables screening for early dementia even on very short recordings of language-independent voice samples.

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.

The US Food and Drug Administration has given marketing clearance to CognICA, an artificial intelligence–powered integrated cognitive assessment for the early detection of dementia. Developed by Cognetivity Neurosciences Ltd, CognICA is a 5-minute, computerized cognitive assessment that is completed using an iPad. The test offers several advantages over traditional pen-and-paper-based cognitive tests, the company said in a news release. "These include its high sensitivity to early-stage cognitive impairment, avoidance of cultural or educational bias and absence of learning effect upon repeat testing," the company notes. Because the test runs on a computer, it can support remote, self-administered testing at scale and is geared toward seamless integration with existing electronic health record systems, they add.