A groundbreaking collaboration between Sleep Cycle, a prominent sleep technology firm, and researchers from the University of Cambridge and University College London (UCL) is set to transform early Alzheimer's detection. This innovative partnership aims to uncover connections between navigation abilities, sleep disturbances, and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. By leveraging mobile-based sensing data, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into how changes in sleep patterns might help identify early-stage Alzheimer's before dementia symptoms appear. The research holds immense significance, particularly as nearly one in nine Americans over 65 years old suffers from this debilitating condition. Early diagnosis is crucial for timely interventions that can delay symptom progression and enhance quality of life.

The study will delve into the intricate relationship between navigational skills and sleep disruptions, both of which are affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's. Traditional pen-and-paper cognitive tests used in memory clinics have limitations in measuring these behaviors. However, phone apps offer a novel approach by capturing changes in these activities within participants' homes, making it less burdensome and more scalable. Dr. Abhirup Ghosh, a key researcher on the team, emphasized that this method provides a realistic reflection of everyday activities, potentially aiding in the early detection of Alzheimer's. The research could significantly contribute to efforts aimed at identifying the disease in its earliest phases.

Sleep Cycle has committed to providing premium access to its app, ensuring privacy for all trial participants through a dedicated backend solution. The company will integrate sleep data with navigational data collected via a separate app developed by the research team. These combined data streams will be utilized to develop machine-learning models that can assist in identifying early signs of Alzheimer's. Mikael Kågebäck, Chief Technology Officer at Sleep Cycle, highlighted the company's mission to improve global health through sleep. He expressed optimism about the potential impact of this partnership, noting that Sleep Cycle's proprietary technology and extensive sleep data could deepen the understanding of Alzheimer's.

The study kicked off in August 2024 with an initial cohort of 50-60 participants who have been identified as having mild cognitive impairment. Researchers will analyze various metrics, including time asleep, sleep efficiency, and snoring, alongside navigational data and other cognitive tests. Molecular biological markers such as amyloid and tau will also be examined. As the first phase of data collection progresses, researchers are prepared to explore its potential role in identifying cognitive decline. This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in the fight against Alzheimer's, offering hope for earlier and more effective interventions.