Research by Lindsay Clark, PhD, suggests that simple at-home memory checks conducted on a smartphone or tablet may detect subtle memory loss better than traditional in-clinic assessments. The study included volunteer participants from the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP).
“The brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease can develop or start to develop more than a decade before people are diagnosed with dementia,” Clark said. “So, really trying to detect and have treatments we can use to intervene or prevent symptoms from developing is our focus right now.”
Clark collaborated on the study with researchers from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and discussed their research with multiple news outlets.
In the media
“Smartphone-based detection of subtle memory decline in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease” was published by npj Digital Medicine on June 10, 2026.
“New UW-Madison study suggests that digital memory checks can better spot early memory loss” appeared on WBAY-TV 2 on June 26, 2026.
“Phone apps may spot early memory loss” appeared on WIFR-TV on June 26, 2026.
“Study: Tracking brain health on smartphones” appeared on WISC-TV on June 26, 2026.
Listen to “Smartphone Screenings: Assessing Memory and Cognition using a Mobile App” on the Dementia Matters podcast.
