A new Irish healthtech innovation that helps spot dementia early is being rolled out in the UK by Medefer and Dublin-based Head Diagnostics.
A new dementia assessment service being developed by Medefer and Dublin-based Head Diagnostics aims to give people concerned about changes in their memory faster access to specialist evaluation and earlier diagnostic support.
The service, which is being developed for the UK market, will combine clinically validated digital cognitive testing with consultant-led remote care.
“By detecting subtle cognitive changes at the point of first concern, we help ensure patients reach expert review sooner”
Supported by grant funding from pharma firm Eisai, the initiative was revealed during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 in London.
It will combine a comprehensive digital cognitive test battery with consultant-led specialist care to support earlier diagnosis and is supported by grant funding from Eisai.
“As a company focused on dementia, we believe that earlier and more accurate diagnosis is critical so that patients and their families have more time to prepare for the future. We are delighted to support Medefer and Head Diagnostics with grant funding to help make it possible,” said Pam Ganju, vice-president, Specialist Care Business Group, Eisai.
Clarity when you need it most
Many people who notice changes in their memory want a clear answer sooner, and people under 65 can find assessment harder to access.
The service will apply Medefer’s established experience in remote-first, technology-supported care, delivered to more than 170,000 patients, to dementia assessment for the first time. It will be self-funded and can be accessed directly, without a referral, and Medefer and Head Diagnostics are developing it as a new model that they aim to widen over time.
“We have spent years building remote, consultant-led services that reach people wherever they are,” said Dr Edward Bosonnet, Primary Care Director, Medefer.
“Bringing that to dementia means someone worried about their memory can get expert assessment and advice far sooner, and a clear answer they can act on. That early clarity is what changes things for people and their families.”
Medefer will lead the service as the clinical partner, overseeing the clinical pathway and its delivery. It is being designed in two parts. The first is a memory assessment built around the Head Diagnostics HDx Cognition platform, which includes a digital cognitive battery clinically validated against established paper-based assessments, available at the cognition clinics or, with support, at home, with consultant oversight and advice on whether further assessment is right for the person.
People will then have the option, through a remote, consultant-led service, to go on to a formal diagnosis of dementia, with blood tests, an MRI brain scan and a test for Alzheimer’s disease where relevant. The service covers assessment and diagnosis only.
The first cognition clinics are being established, and Medefer and NovaUCD-based Head Diagnostics will build on the initial learnings to expand the service.
Medefer will also integrate dementia coordinator support, giving people and their families wider support to understand a diagnosis and access practical help, advice and local services.
“HDx Cognition brings clinically validated digitised cognitive testing into everyday settings, enabling earlier identification of Mild Cognitive Impairment before symptoms become entrenched,” said David van Zuydam, chief executive officer, Head Diagnostics.
“By detecting subtle cognitive changes at the point of first concern, we help ensure patients reach expert review sooner. We are pleased to work with Medefer to turn that earlier insight into prompt, specialist-led answers.”
Cepta Duffy, head of Lifescience and Healthtech at Enterprise Ireland, said the company demonstrates the strength of innovation emerging from Ireland’s medtech ecosystem.
“By applying advanced digital technology to support earlier cognitive assessment, the company is helping address a significant healthcare challenge.
“This collaboration with Medefer has the potential to improve access to specialist assessment and provide earlier clarity for patients and their families. Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Head Diagnostics as it continues to scale internationally and bring innovative Irish healthcare solutions to global markets,” Duffy said.
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