What is the technology behind CognoMND™?
CognoMND™ uses simple conversations with a virtual agent to study speech and spot signs of thinking changes in MND.
In this short film, the project team explains the technology that powers CognoMND™, looking at how the tool works and why it has been designed to be simple and accessible. When using CognoMND™, participants speak to a virtual agent on a laptop, answering structured questions in their own words. The system then analyses patterns in speech to look for subtle signs of changes in thinking. The aim is to create a screening approach for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) that feels manageable and respectful, while providing clinicians with clearer information.
We also hear from MND patients about their experiences using the screening tool, and from the project’s Public and Patient Involvement lead about taking part in CognoMND™ research.
About CognoMND™
CognoMND™ is an innovative digital screening tool developed at the University of Sheffield, in partnership with the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Long-Term Conditions (Devices for Dignity), and University of Edinburgh. It appears as a virtual agent on a laptop and asks carefully designed questions. Using artificial intelligence, the system analyses patterns in a person’s speech to look for subtle signs of thinking change.
Credits
- Senior Investigator: Dr Daniel Blackburn (Senior Clinical Lecturer at Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN))
- Senior Investigator: Professor Christopher McDermott (Professor of Translational Neurology at Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)
- Dr Leslie Ing (Clinical Research Fellowship at Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN))
- Dr Emily Mayberry (Senior Clinical Psychologist Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN))
- Dr Alys Wyn Griffiths (Senior Research Fellow at Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN))
- Dr Esther Hobson (Senior Lecturer in Neurology at Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN))
- Professor Heidi Christensen (Head of School of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield)
- Dr Bahman Mirheidari (Research Fellow at at the University of Sheffield)
- Professor Sharon Abrahams (Professor of Neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh)
- Lise Sproson (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead at Devices for Dignity)
- Dr Clare Bartlett (Theme Manager at Devices for Dignity)
- Filmmaker: Will Armson
Thank you to the CognoMND participants, lived experience advisory group, researchers/co-researchers and collaborators as well as funding from the self-funded medical research organisation, LifeArc.
