The Science Behind have the capability to tailor specific cognitive or physiological assessments within our neurostimulation and neuroimaging services for each clinical trial. This customisation demonstrates our deep understanding of the neurological condition and enables use to effectively evaluate the drug’s impact on it.
Cognitive Testing
Cognitive tests are assessment tools used to measure various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, attention, executive function, and language skills. These tests are designed to evaluate an individual’s cognitive abilities and provide insights into their cognitive health and performance.
Cognitive tests provide direct behavioural measures of cognitive function, offering complementary information to neuroimaging data. While techniques such as EEG or TMS can reveal functional changes in the brain, cognitive tests help assess how these changes manifest in terms of cognitive abilities and everyday functioning. This provides a holistic understanding of the drug’s effects on the brain and behaviour.
Cognitive tests serve as sensitive indicators of drug efficacy or potential sides effects. By monitoring these changes in cognitive performance over the course of a clinical trial, researchers can evaluate the impact of the experimental drug on cognitive function. This comprehensive approach allows for a more thorough assessment of the drugs effects on both brain function and cognitive performance, enhancing the validity and reliability of the trial results.
| Cognitive Test | Description | Clinical Trial Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| N-Back | Measures working memory (ability to update and manipulate information) | Provides a measure of working memory to assess drug effects and aids trial design and interpretation |
| Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) | Assesses speed and accuracy of processing visual information, selective attention and distraction filtering | Standardised test ensuring comparable results, which is highly sensitive to cognitive changes |
| Inspection Time (IT) | Measures the speed of visual information processing and attention | Monitors drug-drug interactions on cognitive function and identifies biomarkers of disease progression |
| Serial Threes and Sevens | Assesses simple arithmetic calculations, attention and concentration | Screens individuals with poor cognitive function and monitors cognitive side effects |
| Visual Verbal Learning Test (VVLT) | Assesses verbal learning and memory abilities | Assesses drug safety by monitoring adverse effects on memory |
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | Subjective measurement tool for self-reported experiences | Detects small changes in subjective experiences, and increases the accuracy of patient-reported outcomes |
| Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) | Assesses visual information processing, scanning speed and mental manipulation of symbols | Simple, brief and easy to administer, with relevance to real-world functioning |
| 9 Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) | Measures fine motor dexterity and manual speed | Sensitive to changes in hand function and cost-effective |
| Circle Drawing Test | Assesses fine motor control, dexterity and visual-motor co-ordination | Objective measure reducing bias, and low-cost tool for important motor function information |
Physiological Testing
Our physiological tests assess various bodily functions and systems, such as visuo-motor co-ordination, pupil dilation and posturography, to understand overall health and well-being. We are also able to offer cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling for biomarker analysis and safety monitoring. Electromyography (EMG) can also be utilised as a marker of treatment response, by measuring changes in muscle activity or muscle tone in response to the drug.
Physiological tests offer complementary information to neuroimaging data, providing a broader understanding of the drug’s effects on overall physiological health. By integrating these methods, researchers can better assess the drug’s impact.
Physiological tests serve as important safety measures to monitor potential adverse effects of the drug on normal bodily functions. By regularly assessing these parameters throughout the trial, any abnormalities or adverse reactions can be detected early on.
Integrating physiological tests with neuroimaging enhances trial reliability and validity. By assessing the drug’s effects on multiple physiological domains, researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of its overall impact, facilitating informed clinical decision-making.
| Physiological Test | Description | Clinical Trial Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Saccadic Eye Movement (Saccades) | Measures ability of the eyes to make rapid movements involving co-ordination of neural and muscular systems | Evaluates drug impact on fast eye movements and provides insight into neurological or vestibular disorders |
| Smooth Pursuit | Tracks the movement of an object within the eyes | Serves as a surrogate marker for drug mechanism of action |
| Visuo-Motor Co-ordination (Adaptive Tracking) | Measures ability to co-ordinate visual information with movement | Evaluates drug efficacy on co-ordination improvement and informs drug approval decisions |
| Pupil Dilation | Measures pupil size in response to stimuli, change in focus or drug administration | Acts as a pharmacodynamic marker and evaluates drug safety by monitoring excessive dilation |
| Posturography (Body Sway) | Measures balance and stability by assessing body sway under different conditions | Compares drug effectiveness on balance and supports clinical trial design and interpretation |
| Electromyography (EMG) | Measures electrical activity of muscles via electrodes placed on the body | Marker of treatment response and measures potential side effects or adverse reactions on muscle activity |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Sampling | Medical test that involves analysing a sample of fluid (CSF) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord | Provides direct measurement of drug concentration in the CNS for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new drug |
Frequently Asked Questions
Customising assessments allows us to tailor specific tests to the neurological condition being studied, ensuring that we can effectively evaluate the drug’s impact. This approach demonstrates our deep understanding of the condition and enhances the validity and reliability of the trial results by providing precise and relevant data.
Cognitive tests provide direct behavioural measures of cognitive function, which complement the functional changes revealed by neuroimaging techniques like EEG or TMS. By assessing how these changes manifest in cognitive abilities and everyday functioning, cognitive tests offer a holistic understanding of the drug’s effects on both brain and behaviour.
Physiological tests assess various bodily functions to understand overall health and well-being. They provide complementary information to neuroimaging data, monitor potential adverse effects of the drug, and enhance the reliability and validity of trial results by examining the drug’s effects across multiple physiological domains.
CSF sampling involves analysing the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord to provide direct measurements of drug concentration in the central nervous system (CNS). This helps evaluate the efficacy and safety of new drugs, ensuring that they reach the intended target areas in the brain.
Want to Know More?
To learn more about our tailored cognitive and physiological assessments for your specific clinical trial contact us. Our team of experts is ready to provide detailed information and assist you in designing the most effective and comprehensive assessment plan for your study.