Innovate UK Invests £1.2 Million in Projects to Accelerate Innovation in Digital Cognitive Assessments for Dementia

Strategic Insights -

Innovate UK has announced a £1.2 million investment in projects aimed at accelerating innovation in digital cognitive assessments for dementia. This investment is part of Innovate UK's support for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals, which is driving faster progress towards more personalised dementia treatments and tools across the UK. Dementia is a significant health challenge facing the UK today, with one in two people likely to be directly affected, either through caring for someone with the condition, developing it themselves, or both. The estimated annual cost of dementia in the UK is £34.7 billion, projected to rise to over £94 billion by 2040.

Key Takeaways:

  • The REAl-world Dementia OUTcomes (READ-OUT) study is a UK research programme aiming to improve early dementia diagnosis by combining blood-based biomarkers with digital cognitive assessments.
  • The study, led by the University of Oxford, will involve over 3,000 participants across 28 NHS sites, with a strong focus on inclusion, targeting 30% recruitment from underrepresented groups.
  • Two projects will support the integration of high-quality digital cognitive tools into READ-OUT, including a complete picture of cognitive health, supporting earlier, more personalised care.
  • Kneu Healths project is building on a decade of research and clinical testing to deliver smartphone-based digital cognitive assessments already being used in clinics.
  • The hybrid diagnostic panel combines results from smartphone tests with READ-OUT biomarker data to create a combined diagnostic panel.
  • Pre-assessment algorithm allows patients to complete the digital test at home, with doctors already having a full cognitive profile by the time they arrive at the clinic.
  • Food for the Brain Foundation has created a digital cognitive test designed to be used independently, integrated into NHS services, checking four key areas of brain function: thinking speed, memory, recognition, and decision-making.

Statistics:

  • £1.2 million investment in projects to accelerate innovation in digital cognitive assessments for dementia.
  • Estimated annual cost of dementia in the UK: £34.7 billion (projected to rise to £94 billion by 2040).
  • £1.2 million investment is part of Innovate UK's support for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals.
  • Over 3,000 participants in the READ-OUT study across 28 NHS sites.
  • 30% recruitment from underrepresented groups in the READ-OUT study.
  • £94 billion projected annual cost of dementia in the UK by 2040.

Sources:

  • "24 October 2025 Innovate UK announces PS1.2 million investment in projects aiming to accelerate innovation in digital cognitive assessments for dementia."
  • "Dementia in the UK Dementia is one of the most significant health challenges facing the UK today."
  • "READ-OUT study The REAl-world Dementia OUTcomes (READ-OUT) study is a UK research programme aiming to improve early dementia diagnosis by combining blood-based biomarkers with digital cognitive assessments."
  • "Kneu Healths project is building on a decade of research and clinical testing to deliver smartphone-based digital cognitive assessments already being used in clinics."