Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Emerges as Promising Biomarker for Early Detection of Cognitive Decline (2024)
A groundbreaking study from the Chinese University of Hong Kong demonstrates the potential of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a non-invasive tool to identify individuals at risk for dementia, specifically those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective memory complaints (SMC). Published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, the research reveals distinct patterns of brain activation that could enable earlier detection in Alzheimer's.
The study involved 151 participants aged 50 and above, categorized into groups based on cognitive assessments: normal cognition (NC, n=37), mild SMC (n=24), moderate SMC (n=33), severe SMC (n=29), amnestic MCI (aMCI, n=15), and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI, n=13). Using fNIRS to measure prefrontal hemodynamics during a visual memory span task—where participants memorized and reproduced sequences of colored blocks—researchers observed significantly lower oxyhemoglobin (HbO) levels in the aMCI group compared to NC, indicating reduced brain activation. Similarly, individuals with severe SMC showed lower HbO levels than those with NC, mild SMC, or moderate SMC. No significant differences were found in the naMCI group.
Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis highlighted fNIRS's diagnostic potential, achieving 69.23% accuracy in distinguishing aMCI from NC and 69.70% accuracy for severe SMC from NC. These findings were supported by correlations between HbO levels and performance on memory assessments, underscoring fNIRS's sensitivity to early cognitive changes.
"Early identification of at-risk individuals is key to slowing dementia's impact, and fNIRS offers a cost-effective, portable alternative to traditional imaging methods," said Professor Agnes S. Chan, corresponding author and Director of the Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being at CUHK. "By detecting reduced prefrontal activation in amnestic MCI and severe subjective complaints, this technology could transform screening practices worldwide."
She further added, "Our results emphasize that not all MCI subtypes show the same brain patterns, with amnestic cases linked more closely to Alzheimer's risk. fNIRS provides objective insights beyond self-reported symptoms, paving the way for targeted prevention strategies."
Conducted at CUHK's Neuropsychology Laboratory, the study addresses the growing global dementia burden, affecting over 55 million people, by focusing on MCI (prevalence ~15.56% in those over 50) and SMC (affecting 50-63% of older adults). Limitations include the sample's focus on Chinese-speaking participants and the need for validation in larger, diverse cohorts. The research was funded internally by CUHK and builds on efforts to advance non-invasive biomarkers for cognitive health.
Lee, T. L., Guo, L., & Chan, A. S. (2024). fNIRS as a biomarker for individuals with subjective memory complaints and MCI. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 20(8), 5170-5182. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13897
New Five-Minute, Culture-Neutral Test Shows Promise in Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment (2024)
Researchers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have developed and validated the Shape Trail Test (STT), a quick and unbiased screening tool capable of differentiating older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from those with normal cognition or subjective memory concerns. Published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, the study highlights the STT's potential as a reliable, culture- and language-free assessment for executive function, offering a significant advancement in early Alzheimer's prevention strategies.
The STT, inspired by the traditional Trail Making Test but designed to eliminate cultural and linguistic biases, measures processing speed and mental flexibility in just five minutes. In a study involving 210 Chinese-speaking adults aged 50–80, participants were divided into three matched groups: normal cognition (NC), subjective memory impairment (SMI), and MCI. Results showed no significant differences in STT performance between the NC and SMI groups, but both outperformed the MCI group markedly.
Using stepwise regression analysis, the researchers identified key predictors—including STT-B completion time, STT-A errors, and their interaction—that classified MCI with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.76–0.79, sensitivities of 78.6%–80%, and specificities of 60%–61.4%. The test also correlated strongly with age, education, and other executive function measures, underscoring its validity.
"Mild cognitive impairment is a critical window for intervention in Alzheimer's disease progression, but current tools often carry cultural biases that limit their global applicability," said Professor Agnes S. Chan, corresponding author and Director of the Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being at CUHK. "The STT addresses this gap by providing a simple, accessible test that clinicians worldwide can use to identify at-risk individuals early, potentially improving outcomes through timely lifestyle or therapeutic interventions."
The study, conducted at CUHK's Neuropsychology Laboratory, emphasizes the STT's reliability for assessing executive function but notes it does not differentiate SMI from normal cognition. Limitations include the sample's focus on Chinese-speaking participants and the need for further validation in diverse populations. Funded internally by CUHK, the research builds on ongoing efforts to combat cognitive decline amid an aging global population.
Ding, Z., & Chan, A. S. (2024). The Shape Trail Test is sensitive in differentiating older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A culture-neutral five-minute test. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, 11(4), 1166-1176. https://doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2024.80
Transcranial Photobiomodulation Enhances Cognitive Function and Alleviates Symptoms in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients (2025)
A study from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and collaborators reveals that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM)—a non-invasive light-based therapy—significantly improves cognitive performance, reduces post-concussion symptoms, and eases PTSD symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Published in Journal of Neurotrauma, the research offers hope for effective, safe interventions for over millions of TBI cases annually.
In this randomized placebo-controlled trial, 17 patients with mTBI were recruited and assigned to receive both real and sham tPBM in a counterbalanced order, separated by a 1-week washout period. Assessments, conducted at baseline and after each intervention, included neuropsychological tests for cognitive function, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurements of oxygenated hemoglobin during a visual working memory task, and self-reported questionnaires evaluating sleep quality, physical post-concussion symptoms (such as headache and dizziness), pain intensity, and PTSD symptoms.
Results demonstrated marked improvements following real tPBM compared to baseline, including enhanced visual working memory performance, better learning in verbal memory tests, improved subjective sleep quality, reduced physical post-concussion symptoms, lower pain intensity, and decreased PTSD symptoms. In contrast, no significant changes were observed after the sham tPBM. Notably, the behavioral improvements not only achieved statistical significance but also met the minimal clinically important difference, indicating meaningful real-world benefits for patients.
"Many individuals with mild traumatic brain injury continue to experience persistent cognitive deficits and debilitating symptoms long after the initial injury, with limited treatment options available," said Professor Agnes S. Chan, corresponding author and Director of the Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being at CUHK. "Our findings highlight tPBM as a promising, non-invasive approach to support recovery, potentially transforming rehabilitation for TBI patients by addressing both cognitive and emotional challenges."
Another author Tsz-Lok Lee added, "The clinical significance of these improvements underscores tPBM's potential to enhance quality of life for those affected by mTBI. Further research with larger cohorts will help solidify its role in standard care protocols."
Conducted at CUHK's Neuropsychology Laboratory, the study emphasizes tPBM's safety and efficacy but notes the need for additional investigations to confirm results in diverse populations and explore long-term effects. The research was funded by Health and Medical Research Fund and contributes to ongoing efforts to mitigate the long-term impacts of brain injuries worldwide.
Lee, T. L., Chan, D. Y., Chan, D. T., Cheung, M. C., Shum, D. H., & Chan, A. S. (2025). Transcranial photobiomodulation improves cognitive function, post-concussion, and PTSD symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma.
Eye-Tracking Training Boosts Cognitive Abilities in Children with ADHD and ASD (2025)
A study has demonstrated that a after-school eye-tracking training program can significantly improve visuospatial working memory and cognitive flexibility in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings, published in the journal Autism Research, offer a promising, non-invasive intervention for enhancing key cognitive skills often challenged in these neurodevelopmental conditions.
Led by Professor Agnes S. Chan from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the study involved 40 primary school children divided into two groups: one receiving 20 sessions of eye-tracking training over nine months, and the other serving as a waitlist control. The groups were matched for demographics and baseline cognitive performance to ensure comparability. Assessments conducted before and after the intervention period revealed marked improvements in the training group, including higher total scores and longer working memory spans on visuospatial tasks, as well as increased correct responses in tests of cognitive flexibility.
"Eye-tracking training leverages the natural connection between eye movements and frontal lobe functions, which are crucial for executive skills like working memory and flexibility," said Professor Chan, the study's lead author. "Our results suggest this could be an accessible and effective tool for schools and families, potentially transforming after-school support for children with ADHD and ASD."
The training program, delivered in a game-like format, was designed to be engaging and feasible for integration into routine educational settings. Researchers noted that the intervention's focus on eye movements may strengthen neural pathways associated with attention and cognitive control, areas commonly affected in ADHD and ASD. The research was funded by Lee Hysan Foundation.
Chan, A. S., Leung, P. Y., Pang, T. W. Y., & Sze, S. L. (2024). Eye‐tracking training improves visuospatial working memory of children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research, 17(11), 2244-2260.