Marshall Health awarded seed grant to advance early detection of mild cognitive impairment and dementia
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Health, a member of Marshall Health Network, was awarded a Diagnostic Excellence – Age-Friendly Health Systems (DxEx-AFHS) Seed Grant from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), with support from The John A. Hartford Foundation, to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into primary care settings to enhance the early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia.
The $75,000 two-year seed grant will leverage the Linus Life Science Platform, an FDA-approved medical software, to conduct AI-enhanced cognitive assessments during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWV). The Linus platform uses advanced algorithms to analyze subtle changes in cognitive function, providing clinicians with precise, data-driven insights to support early diagnosis. By streamlining the cognitive assessment process, the platform expands access while improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) remain among the leading causes of disability in older adults. According to a 2024 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, primary care physicians currently diagnose cognitive impairment with an accuracy rate of 61% using traditional methods. The aim of the Marshall program is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting cognitive impairment in a primary care setting, facilitating earlier referrals for effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
“Early detection of cognitive impairment is critical for providing timely access to care, resources and the support they need to maintain their quality of life and explore available treatment options,” said Associate Professor Elizabeth A. Saunders, M.D., associate dean for quality improvement and patient safety and principal investigator on the project. “This initiative underscores Marshall Health’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies that support healthy aging.”
This study will compare individuals 65 and older receiving AI-enhanced AWVs with a control group receiving standard AWVs, evaluating the frequency of cognitive impairment detection and patient satisfaction with the AI platform. The study aligns with evidence-based guidelines from the National Institute on Aging, the Gerontological Society of America and the Alzheimer’s Association, which emphasize the importance of brief, validated cognitive screening tools in primary care.
For more information about this project or Marshall Health’s commitment to improving geriatric care, please contact Marshall Internal Medicine at 304.691.1000.