Head Diagnostics, an Irish medtech company headquartered at NovaUCD in Dublin and a leader in innovative digital neurodiagnostic solutions, has announced that it has signed an exclusive global licence with Philips for a novel digital cognitive assessment platform developed by the health conglomerate.

The platform, which enhances the ability of clinicians to detect cognitive decline at the earliest possible stage when new treatments may be most effective, is to be rebranded by Head Diagnostics as HDx Cognition.

Scalable, AI-powered tools

This strategic development positions Head Diagnostics at the forefront of a global billion-dollar digital cognition health assessment industry, offering scalable, AI-powered tools that promise to transform how cognitive disorders, such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even psychiatric conditions, are detected, managed and treated across primary care and neurology settings. 

More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and this is expected to grow to 139 million people by 2050. The worldwide cost of dementia is estimated at $1.3tn and is growing rapidly each year as reported by Alzheimer’s Disease International. 

Pictured at NovaUCD in Dublin is David van Zuydam, CEO, Head Diagnostics. Image: Paul Sharp/Sharppix.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent type of dementia, characterised by the abnormal build-up of proteins (amyloid and tau) in the brain, forming plaques and tangles that damage nerve cells. Recently approved and upcoming neuroprotection therapies for Alzheimer’s disease signal a turning point in how these conditions can be managed, particularly if diagnosed early.

“As cognitive impairment and dementia continue to affect millions globally, early and accessible diagnosis remains a critical unmet need. Following the announcement, Head Diagnostics will now integrate HDx Cognition, a clinically validated and normed cognitive and mental health testing platform, into our growing portfolio of neurotechnology solutions, empowering primary care physicians, neurologists, and hospitals to detect cognitive decline as well as mental health conditions early, accurately, and efficiently.

"This opportunity is especially urgent given the rising prevalence of neuro-related diseases with many countries such as the USA, UK, France, Italy, South Korea and Japan particularly focused on improving early detection,” said David van Zuydam, CEO, Head Diagnostics.

'Fits seamlessly into existing workflows'

“With HDx Cognition we are equipping clinicians with a clinically validated and reimbursable digital cognition tool that fits seamlessly into existing workflows, all based entirely on existing known paper-based tests enabling earlier intervention, patient monitoring and superior patient outcomes, right at the point of care.”

One of HDx Cognition’s most transformative features is its versatile deployment model. The test is performed on an iPad and is suitable for use in primary care, hospitals, memory clinics, in the home and crucially in community and potentially high-street settings such as pharmacies and wellness centres.

This broad reach helps democratise neurology, making advanced cognitive testing available to a lot more people, earlier in the care journey, regardless of geography or referral access. The good news is patients with early mild cognitive impairment now have options to change lifestyles or also opt for a neuroprotection therapy which have been recently approved for use.

In addition to its cognitive testing capabilities, HDx Cognition also supports validated mental health assessments, including the GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale) and PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire for depression). These tools help clinicians identify and monitor common mental health conditions, enabling a more holistic view of brain health.

Head Diagnostics plans to expand HDx Cognition’s capabilities by further integrating AI and machine learning, remote monitoring, and multimodal data (e.g. speech, brainstem measurement, handwriting and neuroimaging) to support more personalised cognitive and mental health care.

“This acquisition is not just about technology, it’s about impact,” said Van Zuydam.

“We envision a future where every person rightfully has immediate and affordable access to early and comprehensive brain health screening, and every clinician has the tools to act swiftly, especially in this new era of transformative therapies.”