Real-life activity tracking in healthy and pathological cognitive aging
Description:
There is a critical need to develop accessible, non-invasive methods for detecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at its earliest stages. Current diagnostic tools—such as genetic testing, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, MRI, and PET imaging—are costly, invasive, and typically limited to small patient populations.
This study addresses that gap by investigating whether changes in real-life mobility, gait, and physical activity—known to precede cognitive decline by several years—can serve as early indicators of AD. In a large-scale, longitudinal design, participants with mild neurocognitive disorder and matched healthy controls will be equipped with advanced digital technologies to continuously track their daily activity in natural environments.
The study aims to investigate whether everyday mobility patterns can predict future dementia development and whether these relationships can be detected in the brain.
Procedure:
Participants complete two test sessions spaced two years apart, following this structured process:
- Pre-participation screening: Participants receive a detailed phone consultation to assess eligibility and explain potential risks.
- Health check: A brief medical assessment is conducted by a trained study physician at the start of each session.
- Optional blood sample: Biological or genetic risk factors for dementia may be assessed through a voluntary blood draw.
- Neuropsychological testing: A series of cognitive tasks is administered by a qualified neuropsychologist.
- Brain imaging (MRI): Brain structure and function are measured using MRI (approx. 40 minutes).
- Optional PET Scan: PET imaging may be used to detect protein deposits in the brain.
- Laboratory gait assessment: Participants wear sensor-equipped shoes to analyze individual walking patterns.
- Real-life mobility tracking: After the test session, participants wear a GPS activity tracker and a specialized watch for 14 days to monitor movement in daily life.
Eligibility criteria:
- Retired adults aged 60 and older
- Group A: Individuals with a clinically diagnosed cognitive impairment
- Group B: Healthy individuals without any diagnosed cognitive impairment
Compensation:
Participants will receive CHF 75 plus a flat-rate travel allowance per appointment.
Place:
The examinations take place at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine of the University of Zurich (IREM) in Schlieren.