SILVER SPRING, Md. – As the number of those diagnosed with COVID-19 rises, evidence has emerged that it may affect long-term neurological function, and it is critical to learn more about this issue in order to provide those patients with the best care. The Johns Hopkins Hospital has established a COVID-19 specific, post-discharge, outpatient follow-up clinic where, because of concerns for patients’ and health care providers’ safety during the current pandemic, patients will only be seen virtually from their homes and all monitoring will be remote.
DANATM, developed by AnthroTronix, Inc., is an FDA-cleared clinical neurocognitive assessment tool that uses a smartphone or tablet to measure and monitor changes in a person’s brain/cognitive function. The app can help clinicians track cognitive function for conditions such as depression, dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease, and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder. AnthroTronix is currently using DANA in an NIH-funded study at the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center to evaluate and monitor cognitive function in elderly patients related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. These DANA characteristics make it ideal for providing longitudinal assessment and surveillance of COVID-19 patients for long-term neurological impact and cognitive changes:
- The first neurocognitive tool FDA-cleared for self-assessment and for use in the home.
- Uses high-frequency, short duration testing to detect changes in cognitive function.
- Has exceptional sensitivity, reproducibility, and controls for training and practice effects.
DANA provides data on COVID-19 patients’ cognitive function and essential insight into the longitudinal effects of COVID-19 on the brain. DANA is being deployed remotely to COVID-19 patients so that clinicians will have access to the best possible tool for understanding their patients’ ongoing cognitive needs. Dr. Adam Kaplin, a neuropsychiatrist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, is leading the clinical piece of this effort.
CEO and Board Chair of AnthroTronix, Dr. Cori Lathan, says, “We are pleased to offer the DANA tool to Dr. Kaplin and Johns Hopkins to monitor the cognitive status of individuals recovering from COVID-19. It is vital to understand the short-term and long-term effects on cognitive function of COVID-19. I applaud the work of Dr. Kaplin and his colleagues in providing the best possible care to his patients by using innovative and scientifically validated technology.”
Dr. Jay Sanders, CEO of The Global Telemedicine Group and Founder of the American Telemedicine Association, is advising on the project and adds that “COVID has changed the landscape of healthcare accelerating the need and use of telemedicine tools like DANA. Using DANA, clinicians are able to evaluate a patient’s medical status remotely, providing valuable information related to intervention and care.” He added that “Whether it is the COVID pandemic or not, the best exam room is where the patient lives, not where the doctor works.”
The unprecedented surge in telehealth demand from COVID-19 shines a spotlight on the need for effective and scientifically validated tools designed specifically for remote monitoring. DANA was developed as a tool to be used both in-clinic and remotely, making it the optimal solution for remote patient monitoring.
About AnthroTronix
AnthroTronix, an engineering research and development company, produces human-centered technologies that advance health, communication, education, and defense. We develop innovative, research-based technologies that influence change and enhance lives around the world. Our company has been recognized among Inc. Magazine’s “5000 Fastest Growing Companies” and selected by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer company. For more information on us, visit www.atinc.com, follow us on Twitter at @AnthroTronix, or connect with us on LinkedIn.