Creyos Showcases Innovations in Cognitive Assessment at AAIC 2026 Conference

At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 held in Toronto, Creyos launched its cutting-edge digital cognitive and behavioral health assessment technologies, spotlighting two pivotal studies that illustrate the platform's versatility. The conference, known as the largest of its kind for Alzheimer’s research, served as an ideal backdrop for sharing insights into how digital tools can enhance early detection of cognitive impairments and monitor the effects of environmental factors on brain health.

Transforming Early Detection of Cognitive Impairments

The first study presented at AAIC focuses on Advancing Earlier Detection of Cognitive Impairment. Conducted by researchers from Western University, this longitudinal study introduced the Creyos Dementia Protocol (CDP), which aims to identify cognitive decline on a large scale. This groundbreaking research builds upon previous findings and is designed to validate cognitive screening, particularly in clinical environments.

The Creyos tool merges tasks measuring visuospatial working memory and attention with a sophisticated machine learning model, honed from an extensive database of thousands of participants. The screening has demonstrated impressive sensitivity, identifying patients with clinically diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease through a case-matched control sample, thus paving the way for early interventions at population levels.

Impact of Environmental Exposures on Brain Health

Concurrently, the second study titled Investigating Environmental Influences on Brain Health looked into the effects of chronic exposure to bushfire smoke hazardous for the brains of rural firefighters. With Australia’s wildfires becoming increasingly severe, the need to examine the long-term cognitive implications of such exposure is more critical than ever. Researchers from QIMR Berghofer are utilizing the Creyos platform as part of a comprehensive cognitive assessment battery in their study of over 1,800 Australian rural firefighters.

Through this research, the R-FIRE study aims to assess whether repeated exposure to harmful smoke particles correlates with measurable cognitive impairments. Participants are undergoing various cognitive assessments along with health and exposure surveys, and a subset of individuals will even provide blood samples to investigate the relationship between smoke exposure and biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Bridging the Gap in Cognitive Assessment

At the heart of Creyos' innovation is the recognition that cognitive impairment can arise from a variety of factors not confined to singular environments. As noted by Adrian Owen, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Imaging at Western University and Creyos’ Chief Scientific Officer, the platform's adaptability allows for consistent cognitive assessments across diverse settings, whether at home or in clinical practices.

“Both studies fundamentally ask the same question: is there measurable cognitive impairment present, and can we detect it?” Owen stated. The ability to command reliable data across different demographics, settings, and health conditions significantly enhances the validity and application of Creyos assessments.

Future Directions

Going forward, the Creyos platform is set to revolutionize how cognitive health is assessed clinically and in research contexts. By providing health professionals and researchers with objective, scalable measures, Creyos is not only streamlining the screening process but also enhancing the understanding of factors influencing cognitive health from genetic, lifestyle to environmental aspects.

The studies spotlighted at AAIC 2026 illustrate Creyos’ growing impact in both clinical settings and broader research, further solidifying its position as a leader in cognitive assessment technology. For more information about Creyos and to participate in ongoing studies, visit creyos.com.