Non-invasive assessment of glymphatic flow and neurodegeneration from a wearable device
Inventors
Dagum, Paul • Kovacs, Gregory T. A. • Giovangrandi, Laurent B. • Weber, Carl J. • Student, Joerg C. • Whipple, Nathan • Kaplan, Jonathan I.
Assignees
Triple Ring Technologies Inc • Applied Cognition Inc
Publication Number
US-11759142-B2
Publication Date
2023-09-19
Expiration Date
2042-04-05
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A computer-implemented method and system includes accessing neurophysiological and neurovascular data recorded during sleep. A function mapping is executed from said neurophysiological and neurovascular data to a target that is one of a glymphatic flow marker, a molecular analysis marker of neurodegeneration, or a neuroimaging marker of neurodegeneration. A target prediction model is output based on the function mapping. The target prediction model can receive new neurophysiological and neurovascular data and output a predicted marker of neurodegeneration.
Core Innovation
The invention presents a method and system for non-invasive assessment of glymphatic flow and neurodegeneration based on neurophysiological and neurovascular data collected during sleep, primarily utilizing a wearable device. The system captures data such as electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and neurovascular measurements, including transcranial impedance, photoplethysmography (PPG), and inertial measurement unit (IMU) outputs, to monitor physiological changes relevant to brain fluid dynamics and neurodegenerative processes.
A key innovation is the execution of a function mapping from the acquired neurophysiological and neurovascular data to biological markers that serve as indicators of glymphatic flow, molecular signs of neurodegeneration, or neuroimaging markers detected through invasive clinical procedures. A target prediction model is generated through machine learning by associating recorded sensor data with these established markers, enabling the model to receive new sensor data and predict an individual’s risk or state of neurodegeneration.
The problem addressed by this invention is the lack of non-invasive, accessible, and repeatable techniques for monitoring glymphatic flow and the accumulation of neurodegenerative proteinopathies, which currently require costly and invasive clinical procedures such as PET scans, CSF extraction, or advanced neuroimaging. By focusing on monitoring the mechanism of glymphatic flow and leveraging wearable devices to collect relevant data, the invention supports early diagnosis, intervention assessment, and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases outside specialized medical facilities.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims covering the primary inventive aspects of the invention.
Head-mounted device for non-invasive glymphatic flow assessment
A head-mounted device comprising left and right ear sensors with electrodes configured to make both neurophysiological and neurovascular measurements. The device includes a data module that receives transcranial impedance data from both sides, applies this data to a prediction model based on a function mapping to a glymphatic flow marker, and outputs a measure of glymphatic flow. This approach provides non-invasive indication of cranial interstitial fluid flow during sleep.
Head-mounted multiplexed sensor system for glymphatic flow measurement
A head-mounted device with left and right sensors equipped with electrodes that are multiplexed to perform both neurophysiological and neurovascular measurements from each side of the patient's head. The data module receives left and right transcranial impedance data, applies them to a prediction model functionally mapped to a glymphatic flow marker, and outputs a measure of glymphatic flow for a patient during sleep.
Brain monitoring system with bilateral EEG and impedance measurement for glymphatic flow assessment
A brain monitoring system comprising left and right sensors, each with electrodes for making EEG and transcranial impedance measurements from their respective sides. The data module receives left and right impedance data, applies the data to a prediction model based on a function mapping to a glymphatic flow marker, and outputs a measure of glymphatic flow during patient sleep.
The independent claims cover devices and systems equipped with bilateral sensors for neurophysiological and neurovascular measurements, as well as the application of prediction models based on function mappings to output non-invasive measures of glymphatic flow.
Stated Advantages
The invention enables non-invasive measurement and monitoring of glymphatic flow and neurodegeneration without requiring invasive clinical procedures such as PET scans, CSF extraction, or advanced neuroimaging.
It facilitates early diagnosis, screening, and longitudinal monitoring of neurodegenerative proteinopathies using data acquired from a wearable device during sleep.
The wearable device allows for patient comfort and home-based data collection, reducing patient burden and expanding access to brain health monitoring.
The system supports evaluation of therapeutic interventions—including cardiovascular, diet, pharmacological, and neuromodulation therapies—by predicting their effects on glymphatic flow and neurodegeneration markers.
Documented Applications
Screening for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, by predicting molecular or neuroimaging markers of neurodegeneration from non-invasive sleep data.
Longitudinal monitoring of disease progression and brain proteinopathy for patients at risk of or diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions.
Assessment of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions—such as cardiovascular, diet, sleep, pharmaceutical, or neurostimulation treatments—on glymphatic flow and neurodegeneration markers.
Supporting medical decision-making by evaluating the need for invasive diagnostic procedures based on non-invasive prediction of neurodegeneration markers.
Interested in licensing this patent?