Diagnostics and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition intervention within the cognitive spectrum: from healthy ageing to dementia

This thesis focused on improving how we diagnose and treat problems with memory and thinking. The research looked at common memory and attention tests used in clinics. The goal was to see how well they work and if technology could help. One test, the Digit Span Test, could identify people at different stages of memory issues, from early cognitive decline to dementia. The study also explored using automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology to score memory tests, showing that this method was accurate and could be used for remote testing, making it easier for people to get assessed without visiting a clinic. Additionally, the thesis investigated whether a supplement called CILTEP®, marketed to improve memory, actually worked. The results showed that the supplement did not improve memory in healthy middle-aged or elderly adults. This highlights the importance of testing such products before making health claims. Additionally, the thesis included a plan for a clinical trial testing a drug called roflumilast, originally used for lung conditions, to see if it can help people with mild memory problems or early Alzheimer's disease. The research could lead to better, more accessible ways to diagnose memory issues and explore new treatments for cognitive decline.