A better, faster way to assess people with memory problems

What is Cognospeak?

CognoSpeak™ is a group of projects which aim to engage the patient in a conversation – something that is known to place a high cognitive demand on multiple domains involving memory, language and attention. CognoSpeak™ asks memory-probing questions inspired by those used in outpatient consultations and conducts cognitive tests such as picture descriptions and verbal fluency tests.

How it works

CognoMemory (originally known as CognoSpeak™) is a digital tool designed to assess memory, language, and other cognitive abilities. Drawing on a decade of research and clinical expertise, CognoMemory provides an efficient and accessible way to evaluate cognitive function, helping healthcare professionals identify changes in memory and thinking skills. This tool offers valuable insights that can guide personalised care and intervention plans for individuals experiencing cognitive decline.

How it works

CognoMND is an innovative digital tool designed to assess cognitive function and behaviour in individuals with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). By incorporating key questions from CognoMemory, alongside new questions inspired by widely-used clinical assessments, CognoMND offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating cognitive abilities. This tool also includes a care partner assessment, allowing caregivers to provide valuable insights and additional information to support a more complete evaluation of the individual's cognitive and behavioural health.

How it works

CognoStroke is the latest in this family of digital tools, designed to assess cognitive function and behavior in individuals recovering from a stroke. It offers both short and long assessment options, tailored to meet the needs of patients at different stages of recovery—whether immediately after the stroke or later in their rehabilitation journey. This flexible approach ensures that healthcare providers can choose the most appropriate assessment to support ongoing recovery and care.

The Story So Far

We tested CognoMemory with individuals with neurodegenerative and functional memory problems, as well as healthy controls, and achieved a level of accuracy comparable to traditional cognitive tests. We want to continue improving CognoMemory while making sure it is accessible to everyone. TCollaboration with a range of groups, including Israac Somali Community Centre, helped us to identify areas of improvement, such as including a more diverse choice of avatars. We are also training CognoSpeak to be equally effective for users who do not use English as their first language.