Abstract:
Traditional paper-based cognitive assessments, while the current gold standard in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), lack the sensitivity and ecological validity needed to detect subtle cognitive changes in preclinical stages. Dr. Kate Papp’s work highlights cutting-edge approaches leveraging digital technologies—ranging from AI-analyzed speech and digital pens to ecological momentary assessments and learning curve paradigms. Her team’s development of the Boston Remote Assessment for Neurocognitive Health (BRANCH) demonstrates how multi-day, web-based testing on participants’ own devices can identify diminished learning effects over days—correlating with AD biomarkers and predicting cognitive decline. This talk also addresses validation challenges, participant adherence, and data privacy considerations crucial for adoption in clinical trials. These insights underscore the potential of digital cognitive measures to accelerate early detection, improve trial efficiency, and support Alzheimer’s prevention efforts globally.
Biography:
- Kathryn V. Papp, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School; Clinical Neuropsychologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Dr. Papp’s clinical practice is focused on assessment of memory disorders. Her primary research interest is in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using sensitive semantic and associative memory tests as well as computerized measures and digital technologies to identify and track older adults at risk for cognitive decline. She is additionally interested in modifiable lifestyle factors which may mitigate cognitive decline in older adults. At MassAITC, Dr. Papp is a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementia’s (AD/ADRD) pilot core where she mentors pilot teams on appropriate cognitive assessment tools for screening of participatory research participants. Dr. Papp is Director of Neuropsychology for the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.