Cybernetics experts from UWB have an app to detect memory issues. They host Cognitive Health Day

The Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FAV ZČU) is introducing an app that can detect early signs of cognitive problems at home. The public can consult results with experts on Cognitive Health Day on Thursday, May 28.

According to estimates by the Czech Alzheimer Society, more than 150,000 people in the Czech Republic are living with dementia, but only a portion of them have been diagnosed and are receiving treatment. According to doctors, the disease manifests through minor memory lapses, impaired orientation, or changes in speech. “Current medicine is still unable to stop or fully cure Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection is nevertheless crucial. It gives patients and their families time to prepare for the new life situation,” explained neurologist Aleš Bartoš from the Královské Vinohrady University Hospital.

In cooperation with the neurologist, the Faculty of Applied Sciences has therefore developed a new application for the early detection of initial symptoms. It uses machine learning methods to analyze speech and memory. “It allows anyone to undergo an anonymous screening from the comfort of home. The user completes ten simple tasks answered by voice. The system processes the responses immediately and provides test results right away,” said project leader Luboš Šmídl from the Department of Cybernetics at FAV UWB. If the app detects a risk, it recommends seeking a specialist's consultation.

The opportunity to consult the results from the app test with specialists will be one of the main attractions of the Cognitive Health Day, which the faculty is organizing on May 28. Developers, doctors, and representatives of patient organizations will meet at the faculty. “We recommend that interested people take the test in the app at home first, where they have peace and quiet to complete the tasks,” added Luboš Šmídl.

The Cognitive Health Day program will offer not only lectures by doctors but will also focus on prevention. Nutrition specialist Miloslav Šindelář will discuss the role of exercise, sleep, and diet in brain health. Veronika Frühbauer from the Dementia Institute will also speak about available support and the Czech Republic's transformation toward a more welcoming society for people with this condition. The event is open to professionals and the general public. Admission is free, but capacity is limited and registration via the event website is required.

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Faculty of Applied Sciences	Andrea Čandová
18. 05. 2026

The application was developed within the project “Telemedicine self-examination of speech and memory for rapid detection of cognitive disorders using machine learning methods,” supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.