A groundbreaking European Union (EU)-funded research project is set to examine the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with the goal of improving healthcare for older adults and reducing the burden of both conditions. The project, named DORIAN GRAY, is being led by the University of Brescia in collaboration with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and 24 partner organizations, and is backed by an €11 million budget over a five-year period.
Mild cognitive impairment, which involves noticeable cognitive decline beyond what is typical for a person’s age but not severe enough to impair daily functioning, affects a significant portion of those with cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that one-third of people with CVD also suffer from MCI, but the condition often goes undiagnosed in 50-80% of cases. The DORIAN GRAY initiative aims to identify the mechanisms linking MCI and CVD and explore innovative methods for early detection and intervention.
The project’s main objective is to unravel the biological and clinical connections between heart disease and cognitive decline, focusing on conditions such as heart failure, where the mechanisms that lead to MCI are thought to be exacerbated. The initiative also seeks to identify factors that could slow or prevent the onset of MCI in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.
Dr. Riccardo Proietti, the scientific coordinator of DORIAN GRAY and a researcher at the University of Liverpool, UK, emphasized the potential overlap between Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrovascular dementia, and cardiovascular disease. “For years, Alzheimer’s and cerebrovascular dementia were seen as separate conditions, but recent research suggests they may be part of a continuum, influenced by vascular processes,” Proietti said. “CVD not only shares risk factors with cognitive impairment but may also directly contribute to it through mechanisms such as chronic low blood flow and arterial stiffness.”
One of the innovative aspects of the DORIAN GRAY project is its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and real-world data from devices like smartwatches and smartphones. The AI model will enable personalized risk assessments for MCI, allowing healthcare providers to tailor interventions aimed at preventing cognitive decline. This technology will also be used for primary prevention (identifying at-risk individuals), secondary prevention (slowing cognitive deterioration), and tertiary prevention (minimizing the severity of MCI).
Additionally, DORIAN GRAY will incorporate a cutting-edge approach through avatar-based coaching exergaming (ABCE). This technology blends physical exercise with cognitive challenges, promoting healthy ageing through structured, game-like environments. The ABCE system is designed to enhance both physical and mental well-being, offering a holistic approach to lifestyle changes that could prevent or mitigate MCI.
The project is set to analyze data from over 300,000 individuals across six European countries, which will feed into an AI model to predict MCI risk. Key elements of the project include the development of a digital coaching system for promoting healthy habits, a trial of the ABCE intervention for heart failure patients with MCI, and a health technology assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach in clinical settings.
If successful, the DORIAN GRAY initiative could have a profound impact on dementia prevention in the European Union. Projections suggest that a 5-10% reduction in the prevalence of dementia risk factors—such as hypertension, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity—could prevent up to 2 million cases of dementia by 2050. By targeting both cardiovascular and cognitive health, the project promises to advance the EU’s broader strategic goals for healthier aging.
The project was officially launched at the University of Brescia today, with significant involvement from healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and the scientific community. The results of the initiative are expected to shape future healthcare policies and provide valuable insights into the prevention and treatment of both cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline across Europe.
Related Topics
