Creyos, a global provider of digital cognitive and behavioral health assessment solutions, has announced that its technology is featured in two research posters at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026, the premier international forum for dementia research. While one study focuses on improving the early identification of cognitive impairment in clinical practice, the other examines the long-term effects of bushfire smoke exposure on the cognitive health of rural firefighters. Together, these studies demonstrate the versatility of the Creyos platform in addressing diverse questions related to brain health.

Cognitive performance is influenced by a broad range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and clinical conditions. However, many conventional cognitive assessment tools have struggled to keep pace with these evolving research and healthcare needs. In clinical environments, commonly used screening methods often face challenges such as ceiling effects, cultural bias, and dependence on trained professionals for administration. Meanwhile, researchers investigating large populations require assessment tools that can be administered efficiently across geographically dispersed participants. The studies presented at AAIC 2026 illustrate how the Creyos platform addresses both challenges by supporting validated dementia screening in healthcare settings while also enabling large-scale cognitive research in environmental health.

According to Adrian Owen, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Imaging at Western University and Chief Scientific Officer at Creyos, both studies seek to answer a common question from different perspectives: whether cognitive impairment can be detected accurately and at an early stage. He noted that cognitive decline can emerge across a variety of settings wherever the brain experiences biological stress, making it essential to use assessment tools capable of delivering consistent and reliable results regardless of where testing occurs.

He further highlighted that Creyos assessments are supported by extensive normative data collected over several decades from nearly 100,000 individuals of different ages, languages, geographical regions, and health backgrounds. This comprehensive foundation enables the platform to produce dependable results whether assessments are conducted in specialized memory clinics, community outreach programs, or from participants' homes.

Highlights of the AAIC 2026 Research Presentations
1. Improving Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment
Western University – Adrian Owen, PhD, OBE, FRS, FRSC, FCAHS
The Creyos Dementia Protocol (CDP) is a longitudinal research initiative designed to expand upon earlier findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, where the Creyos cognitive screener was successfully validated in a clinical population. The current study extends that work by evaluating the screener across the full spectrum of cognitive decline within a larger population.

The screening approach combines two computerized cognitive tasks that assess visuospatial working memory and attention with a machine learning algorithm trained on data from thousands of individuals. Previous validation studies demonstrated excellent performance, achieving complete sensitivity in identifying patients clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease while maintaining high specificity among matched control participants. Importantly, the system also identified one Alzheimer's patient whose score exceeded the traditional impairment threshold of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), suggesting greater sensitivity for detecting subtle cognitive decline. In addition, the screener distinguished dementia-related impairment from cognitive changes associated with other medical conditions.

The ongoing CDP study will monitor approximately 400 participants representing four stages of cognitive decline over a 12-month period to further evaluate the screener's effectiveness in real-world settings.

2. Assessing the Cognitive Effects of Bushfire Smoke Exposure
QIMR Berghofer – Michelle Lupton, PhD
The R-FIRE (Rural Firefighter Investigation of Risk & Exposure) study is exploring whether prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke has measurable effects on cognitive function among more than 1,800 rural firefighters in Australia. The Creyos platform forms an important component of the study's cognitive assessment program.

As bushfire seasons become longer and more severe, firefighters are increasingly exposed to high concentrations of smoke containing fine particulate matter capable of entering the bloodstream and potentially affecting the brain. R-FIRE aims to determine whether repeated exposure to these particles is associated with measurable cognitive decline.

Participants complete a series of Creyos cognitive assessments alongside detailed health and exposure questionnaires. Additionally, a subset of firefighters representing the highest and lowest levels of smoke exposure will undergo blood testing for biomarkers, including indicators associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology.

The R-FIRE project builds upon earlier work from the Prospective Imaging Study of Aging (PISA), one of the world's largest research programs dedicated to the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, which previously demonstrated the effectiveness of the Creyos platform for remote cognitive assessment among adults between 42 and 75 years of age.

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As climate change progresses, the urgency to develop more sustainable, energy-efficient, and healthier buildings has never been more apparent. While many climate tech solutions aim to cut outdoor emissions, increasing attention is being given to the pressing issue of indoor air quality. With Americans spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, where pollutants like CO₂ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can accumulate, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This issue extends beyond health concerns, posing challenges to productivity, energy efficiency, and climate objectives.

Indoor Air Quality and Building Energy Costs
Research increasingly links high levels of indoor CO₂ and VOCs to cognitive impairments. A 2021 Harvard study revealed that even moderate increases in indoor CO₂ could slow reaction times by 1.4–1.8% and reduce accuracy on cognitive tasks by up to 2.4%. Elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exacerbates these effects, contributing to “sick building syndrome” symptoms such as fatigue and headaches. HVAC systems often work harder to manage pollutants and maintain a comfortable indoor environment, driving up energy consumption and operational costs.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), buildings accounted for 34% of global energy demand and about 37% of energy-related CO₂ emissions in 2022. This highlights a significant opportunity for energy savings through advanced efficiency measures. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that improving energy efficiency across sectors could cut global energy use by over 40% by 2040, significantly reducing emissions from buildings. Solutions that enhance indoor air quality while lowering HVAC energy demands are essential for achieving global sustainability goals and fostering healthier indoor spaces.

Carbon Reform’s Innovative Approach
Recognizing the dual challenges of indoor air quality and energy consumption, the Cisco Foundation’s Regenerative Future Fund identified Carbon Reform as a standout innovator. Based in Philadelphia, Carbon Reform offers solutions like the Carbon Capsule, a system designed to retrofit into existing HVAC systems. This technology captures CO₂, filters pollutants, and improves energy efficiency without requiring extensive infrastructure changes. In pilot projects, the Carbon Capsule has reduced cooling loads by up to 50%, yielding energy savings, lower emissions, and cleaner air.

Carbon Reform also offers the Carbon Canister, a portable device for scalable carbon sequestration and air purification. Together, these solutions empower building managers to decarbonize HVAC systems, reduce indoor pollutants, and achieve energy savings—all critical steps toward creating sustainable and healthy built environments.

Case Study: Baltimore Gas and Electric Pilot
A pilot project at Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) illustrates the real-world potential of the Carbon Capsule. Initial results from Philadelphia showed cooling load reductions of up to 50%, and similar outcomes are anticipated at BGE. This aligns with BGE’s net-zero emissions goal for 2050. Through Carbon Reform’s leasing model, BGE adopted the technology without significant capital expenditure, making it easier to pursue their environmental targets.

Cisco Foundation’s Role in Scaling Carbon Reform
The Cisco Foundation, through its Regenerative Future Fund, has invested in Carbon Reform as part of its $100 million commitment to climate solutions. This investment aligns with Cisco’s environmental sustainability strategy, focusing on clean energy transitions, circular transformation, and resilient ecosystems. Carbon Reform’s integrated approach to carbon capture and air purification sets it apart, enabling buildings to enhance air quality and energy efficiency while reducing carbon footprints.

With its scalable, modular design and flexible hardware-as-a-service model, the Carbon Capsule offers an accessible solution for improving indoor environments and meeting climate goals. Cisco also complements this effort with technologies like Meraki MT sensors and Cisco Spaces, which monitor indoor air quality metrics in real time.

By supporting Carbon Reform, the Cisco Foundation is advancing a vision of healthier, more sustainable buildings, contributing to a decarbonized future while addressing critical challenges in the built environment.