DIMPLAD

The challenge

The DIMPLAD project (Digital Measuring Platform for Alzheimer’s Detection) addresses the urgent challenge of recognizing Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier stage, when interventions are more effective and quality of life can be better preserved. Although symptoms such as memory loss or confusion often begin subtly, timely recognition is hindered by a lack of clear guidelines or accessible tools for people with dementia and their loved ones.

TNO and Selfcare aim to change this by developing a smartphone app that supports people and their families in the early recognition of cognitive decline and in finding the right path toward diagnosis. The DIMPLAD project ensures that this digital tool is developed in close collaboration with its intended users.

The approach

DIMPLAD builds on the existing Selfcare app and integrates already available, scientifically validated technologies that can interpret user data. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the project carefully selects proven digital health applications (such as cognitive tests, symptom tracking, or monitoring functions) and adapts them to the needs of people at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, their informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

To ensure person-centricity, we are conducting research into the meaningful aspects of health for these groups in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so that our technology will measure what matters most to these stakeholders.

As part of the development process, a clinical study will be conducted with a diverse group of participants to ensure that the app is not only effective, but also inclusive and user-friendly in real-world practice.

Expected results

The DIMPLAD project runs until December 2028 and aims to deliver a validated, user-friendly digital tool that supports the early recognition of Alzheimer’s disease. More importantly, the digital tool will allow for the monitoring of symptoms that really matter to people with Alzheimer’s and their informal caregivers, but are not always considered in traditional neuropsychological tests.

In addition, we support people with (suspected) cognitive decline and their informal caregivers with self-management and practical guidance during the uncertain period leading up to a diagnosis.

Partners

This initiative is a collaboration between TNO, with extensive expertise in digital health innovations, and Selfcare, a frontrunner in managing personal health data. Several experts from the field participate in our advisory board. Together with this team of specialists, we are confident that we are developing a meaningful app that can support people with early-stage dementia. By enabling early recognition and intervention, DIMPLAD aims to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and to reduce the burden on informal caregivers and the healthcare system.

Tom Segers, CEO of Selfcare: “From personal experience within my family, I know how difficult it is to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s early and to track the effects of treatment. This project is close to my heart, and I am proud to be working on something that can truly make a difference.”

Looking to the future

If we can ensure that the data from the app is both understandable and meaningful for people with (suspected) cognitive decline and their informal caregivers, and is also accepted and supported by healthcare professionals, this effort not only promises to improve self-management, but also improve diagnostic pathways, and contribute to broader innovations in dementia care in the Netherlands and beyond.