Testing a digital tool to pick up thinking and behaviour changes in MND

Many people with MND experience changes in how they think or behave, but these symptoms can be hard to spot and aren’t always picked up early.

This study is testing a new digital tool called CognoMND™, designed to check for possible changes in thinking and behaviour.

CognoMND™ is like a virtual doctor on a screen. It asks questions and listens to the answers, using advanced computer analysis to look for signs of thinking and behaviour changes. It can be used from home, so there’s no need to travel or attend long clinic visits.

The researchers want to find out how well the tool works and how to improve it to make it more helpful for people in the future. They hope to use the tool to make screening for thinking and behaviour changes easier, faster, and more accessible – helping more people get the support they need at the right time.

A image showing how cognoMND works. Patient or caregiver conversation with cognoMND virtual agent is recorded. Speech is analysed for patterns. Clinicians receive a report.

Taking Part

What does taking part involve?

You will be asked to talk to CognoMND™, which will be a virtual person on a screen. You will then be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your experiences. If you are a person with MND, you will be asked to complete a short thinking assessment and may be asked to blow into a spirometer, to measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale. If you are a caregiver, you will be asked to complete a short behavioural questionnaire about the person you are caring for. There will be an opportunity for a follow-up interview to share your feedback, but this is optional. 

The tasks will take around 45 minutes for people with MND and 15 minutes for caregivers. The tasks can be completed remotely at home via video link, or at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, depending on your preference and location. 

Who can take part?
  • People living with MND (with or without changes in thinking and behaviour).
    • Participants must be able to speak clearly enough to be understood when answering simple questions, though their speech does not need to be perfect.
  • Carers of people living with MND
  • Aged 18 or over

How can I take part?

If you are interested in taking part or want to find out more information, contact Leslie Ing by email [email protected] or by phone, 0114 215 9112

Study location

Sheffield/UK-wide

Funding

This project is funded by LifeArc