#United States #cognitive impairment #Boston #Linus Health #Brain Health

Linus Health: Leading the Charge in Early Brain Health Detection

As we step into 2026, a monumental year for brain health is unfolding. The healthcare sector is now confronting an alarming reality: the sharp rise in cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. These conditions are expected to affect nearly 14 million Americans by the year 2060, a stark increase from approximately 7 million today.

The urgency for timely detection and early intervention has never been more critical. Beyond just numbers, there's an emotional and societal impact that these conditions have on individuals and families. Moreover, the reality that nearly 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented through lifestyle changes adds another layer to this pressing issue. Clearly, early detection remains paramount.

In the midst of this growing concern, Linus Health is spearheading innovation in the realm of brain health. This AI-driven company is committed to transforming how we identify cognitive changes and tackle underlying diseases. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence, Linus Health analyzes everyday human behaviors—such as drawing and speech—to spot deviations that indicate cognitive decline.

Recently, Linus Health's efforts were recognized when it was awarded Modern Healthcare's Best in Business Award in the Artificial Intelligence category. This acknowledgment reflects the company's role as a pioneer in the proactive approach to brain health.

David Bates, PhD, CEO and co-founder of Linus Health, remarked, "Brain health is among the most urgent issues in healthcare today. The trend of waiting for obvious symptoms is no longer tenable. In 2025, we witnessed significant growth in the adoption of our platform by various health systems and life science companies, indicating the industry's readiness to advance from mere awareness to proactive action regarding brain health."

Driving Change in Brain Health Assessment

The acceleration of brain health initiatives is evident as health systems experience shortages of specialists and prolonged diagnostic timelines. There's a newfound demand for cognitive evaluations in primary care settings. Concurrently, healthcare payers are beginning to realize the importance of covering proactive brain health solutions not just to elevate patient outcomes but to enhance quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.

Research strongly supports that the early identification of cognitive impairment, when paired with targeted clinical evaluation and lifestyle interventions, can slow deterioration and maintain functionality for those at risk. To address this pressing need, Linus Health is honing its strategic focus on facilitating early identification at scale, particularly within healthcare delivery systems, while also venturing into life sciences research. The company aims to enhance clinical trial processes through efficient participant recruitment and stratification.

In 2025, Linus launched a new product, Anywhere powered by Linus Health™, which empowers remote cognitive assessments for diverse healthcare applications—from clinical assessments to population health initiatives. Additionally, the company has made strides in developing the person-centered ePSOM tool, aimed at identifying and preserving patients' day-to-day functionality based on their individual goals.

Expanding Evidence and Awareness

Throughout 2025, Linus Health accelerated its commitment to early detection by publishing pivotal peer-reviewed studies. Two landmark papers published late in the year showcased how its AI-driven digital cognitive assessments can identify early markers of Alzheimer's pathology more effectively than traditional methods.

This mounting evidence underscores Linus Health’s position as a science-led leader in the realm of early brain health detection. The company has actively pursued various avenues to disseminate their findings, including conference presentations and clinical trials focusing on the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Linus Health's leadership team has also engaged nationally through high-profile interviews about the future of brain health and AI-enabled solutions, further solidifying the company’s visibility in this crucial area.

A New Paradigm for Brain Health

As the landscape of brain health continues to evolve, Linus Health is adjusting its operational strategies to meet rising demands. The company has restructured its leadership and resources to enhance innovation and collaboration across markets, aiming to establish a more integrated system that ensures better patient care from early identification onward.

Curt Thornton, the Chief Commercial Officer, has stepped into a broader role as President of Connected Care, reinforcing the commitment to an ecosystem that supports patients from the outset. Leah Ray, the Chief Customer Officer, has also embraced a new position as President of U.S. Healthcare to facilitate the continued operational expansion of the company’s health system reach.

According to Showalter, Linus Health’s Chief Operating Officer, "Our objective is to scale our impact responsibly as the brain health landscape evolves. By realigning our business units, we are better positioned to support healthcare professionals and collaborate with life sciences partners, ensuring that we meet the growing healthcare needs effectively."

About Linus Health

Linus Health is dedicated to revolutionizing brain health through cutting-edge technology that advances the identification and management of cognitive disorders. By harnessing the potential of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Linus Health aims for a future where individuals can lead longer, healthier lives while maintaining optimal brain health. Their digital cognitive assessment platform empowers healthcare providers and researchers with actionable insights, ultimately driving personalized care and proactive intervention for brain health management. To learn more about proactive brain health solutions, visit Linus Health’s website.