MIT Lincoln Laboratory is developing innovative technologies to assess brain health in military personnel. Two notable tools, READY (Rapid Evaluation of Attention for Duty) and MINDSCAPE (Mobile Interface for Neurological Diagnostic Situational Cognitive Assessment and Psychological Evaluation), aim to provide rapid and accurate assessments of cognitive function.
READY is a smartphone or tablet app that identifies potential changes in cognitive performance in under 90 seconds, focusing on attention as a key indicator of readiness. This tool can help medical personnel make swift and effective decisions for treatment triage. MINDSCAPE, on the other hand, is a virtual reality (VR) technology that provides in-depth analysis to pinpoint specific conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder, or sleep deprivation.
Both tools leverage existing technologies, allowing for quick deployment in operational settings at reduced costs. Multimodal technologies, including electrooculography and balance monitoring, improve diagnostic accuracy. The development of these tools is supported by partnerships with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Brain Trauma Foundation, and USARIEM, as well as concurrent evidence-based guidelines led by the Brain Trauma Foundation and Military TBI Initiative.
The goal of these innovative technologies is to provide medical personnel with effective tools to assess brain health and make informed decisions about treatment and care. By leveraging technology and collaboration, MIT Lincoln Laboratory is working to improve the health and readiness of military personnel.
