Advancement in Cognitive Decline Diagnosis with IUSS Research Group

A step forward in cognitive decline diagnosis in Italy thanks to Tenèpsia®, a new digital platform developed with the contribution of researchers from IUSS. The University School for Advanced Studies IUSS in Pavia has been involved in the creation of Tenèpsia®, a new digital platform dedicated to the neuropsychological diagnosis of cognitive decline. The recent study published in the official journal of the Italian Society of Neurology illustrates the process from conception to certification of the digital solution. Prevention and management of cognitive decline and dementia are one of the major healthcare and social challenges of our time and represent an urgent priority. The use of standardized and accurate neuropsychological tools enables timely and effective diagnosis of cognitive decline. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia is one of the major health challenges of our time, affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally. This staggering number highlights the scope of the problem and the urgent need to address it effectively. What makes the situation even more alarming is the rate of growth: around 10 million new cases of dementia are reported every year. In this critical context, early and accurate diagnosis of cognitive decline becomes essential to ensure better disease management and improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Innovative digital tools are shaping a new concept of dementia diagnosis and care, opening up additional avenues for prevention, monitoring, and treatment. Teleneuropsychology represents a particularly promising and innovative area of telemedicine, capable of addressing new healthcare challenges such as difficulties in accessing services and managing the growing number of frail individuals. In the scientific work "A digital teleneuropsychology platform for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment: from concept to certification as a medical device," recently published in the official journal of the Italian Society of Neurology (DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07403-0), Andrea Panzavolta, Chiara Cerami, and Stefano F. Cappa of the University School for Advanced Studies IUSS in Pavia documented the creation of a new teleneuropsychology platform - Tenèpsia® for remote cognitive evaluation of patients with cognitive decline, proceeding from conception to certification as a medical device, valid throughout Europe. The work is the result of collaboration between clinical researchers from three scientific societies active in the field of dementia (Italian Society of Neurology—SIN, Autonomous Association adhering to SIN for dementia - SINdem, Italian Society of Neuropsychology - SINP) and developers from leading companies in the fields of telemedicine and artificial intelligence (Biogen Italia, Xenia Reply, and Inside AI). Tenèpsia® is a promising digital tool capable of establishing itself as the future solution embraced by the majority of dementia clinical centers in Italy. Its use can optimize clinical resources and patient access to services, improving the experience for patients and healthcare professionals, with a positive impact on time and costs, and reducing disparities and delays in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia.