Neurotrack, a company developing digital cognitive health tools, launched a three-minute digital assessment tool to screen for cognitive impairment during wellness appointments.

The digital exam is designed to help identify cognitive impairment and decline, an early indicator of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. The tool can be used during a primary care annual wellness visit or independently by patients, who can then share results with their providers. 

The California-based company also announced that it had scored $10 million in new funding, which will help to continue its development of a provider-based solution for those recognized to have cognitive decline, and help accelerate Neurotrack's push to go to market with health systems and providers across the U.S. 

"Early detection is critical for patients facing a diagnosis like Alzheimer's or dementia, but unfortunately, most patients aren't screened for cognitive impairment until they show symptoms, which can appear more than 20 years after initial brain changes have occurred," Elli Kaplan, founder and CEO of Neurotrack, said in a statement.

"We want to empower providers to integrate cognitive testing as a new vital sign in annual physical exams starting at age 65, with the hope that an earlier diagnosis for patients with dementia will lead to more effective interventions."

THE LARGER TREND

In 2019, Neurotrack announced it secured $21 million in Series C funding, a year after the startup closed its Series B funding, raising $13.7 million.

The CDC reports subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a public health issue, with one in nine adults reporting confusion or memory loss. 

A recent study published in SSM - Population Health revealed that approximately two out of three Americans experience some form of cognitive impairment at an average age of about 70.