New partnership expands cognitive testing in N.B.
A new partnership is aiming to change how cognitive decline is identified in New Brunswick.
Atlantic Memory Clinic and FirstHx announced that they are working together to bring a digital assessment tool into more points of care across the province.
The announcement comes as New Brunswick continues to have one of the oldest populations in Canada.
The partnership also follows the province’s recent release of its strategy and action plan for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which identifies early detection as a key priority.
The tool, called the Neurocognitive Frailty Index, was developed by Atlantic Memory Clinic and is recognized by Health Canada as a medical device.
The clinic said the NFI assesses physical, psychological and cognitive factors and can identify early signs of decline in about 10 minutes.
Dr. Sarah Pakzad, a professor of clinical neuropsychology at the Université de Moncton and the developer of the NFI, said the tool was created to support earlier identification of cognitive decline and more confident clinical decision‑making.
“Integrating the NFI into frontline care through FirstHx ensures this validated tool can be used where it has the greatest impact,” she said, adding that the approach helps improve access to timely and appropriate assessment.
FirstHx describes its platform as a digital intake system used in frontline care.
The company added that the partnership allows the NFI to be built directly into existing workflows, including eVisitNB and some primary and acute care facilities.
CEO Dr. Christopher O’Connor said the move shows the platform can bring validated tools into everyday practice.
“This partnership proves FirstHx can integrate powerful, scientifically validated tools directly into clinical practice,” he said.
Both organizations emphasized that the approach supports early diagnosis of dementia and aligns with tools used by regional health authorities.