Project details

Summary

What is the study about?

Spatial navigation and memory abilities are controlled by regions of the brain called the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, which are the first regions to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As such, when people are in the earliest stages of AD, these abilities will be impaired and if we can identify the impairment this will help detect AD in its very early stages. 

What are you trying to find out?

The aim of this study is to develop tests of spatial navigation and memory that could be used in routine clinical practice to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in its earliest stages.

This is particularly important now that we may be entering a new phase when anti-AD treatments are available, since such treatments may be most effective if given earlier in the disease.

Work by our group has already shown that testing these spatial behaviours using virtual reality (VR) and electronic tablets can help identify people with early AD, better than the pen-and-paper tests of memory and thinking that are currently used in memory clinics. This is because the brain regions first damaged in AD control these spatial functions.

However, these VR and tablet-based tests are time-consuming and complicated, and so the purpose of the SABRE study, funded by the research arm of the NHS, is to develop versions of these tests on phone apps and computer screens which are much shorter and easier to undertake. 

Who is it for?

We are inviting people who either: 

• have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease
• are without symptoms but may be at varying risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
• do not have Alzheimer's disease 
• people with lived experience of dementia, either as a patient, carer, family member, friend or clinical or non-clinical healthcare professional involved in health or social care

What does taking part involve?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page.

People with MCI: The study requires you to complete one SABRE test, which will be performed at a single visit. This will involve completing a task about spatial navigation on a smartphone/tablet app or on a computer web browser. You will also complete the WHOeyes short vision test. This appointment will take up to 30 minutes, including familiarisation time and breaks. You will be asked to complete the same task again in 12 months’ time.  

We will also ask you about basic demographic information. The research nurse conducting your study appointment will also have access to your medical records to extract any biomarker results or brain scans that you have had as part of your MCI diagnosis and share this with the SABRE team via an encrypted research database.

People without MCI: The study requires you to complete one SABRE test, which will be performed at a single visit. This will involve completing a task about spatial navigation on a smartphone/tablet app or on a computer web browser. This will take 15 minutes, including familiarisation times and breaks. You will be asked to complete the same task again in 12 months’ time.  

People with lived experience of dementia: You will be invited to an in-person or online study appointment with a researcher, either on your own or as part of a group of other participants. This will be at a location and time convenient to you, and will last between 45 minutes to an hour.

You will be asked to share your insight and views on the prototype version of the Four Mountains Test, which will be presented either on a digital tablet or printed out paper sheets. In terms of data we collect from you, we will audio record the conversation and the researcher may take notes. This will be transcribed by a member of the SABRE research team, and then destroyed immediately.  

Why is it important? 

If we can identify the impairment this will help detect AD in its very early stages. This will be of great help to GPs and specialists in memory clinics in terms of identifying those with early AD who may benefit from new drugs and other treatments aimed at delaying progression to dementia. 

The information we get from this study will help improve our knowledge of treating AD, which will benefit the treatment of people with AD in the future. It will help us deliver these tests into clinic with the aim to diagnose AD in its very earliest stages. 

How can I find out more?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page.

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, click the button below to email the research team:

Email the research team