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The growing number of clinical trials and increasing number of drugs in the pipeline are reasons for optimism in the quest for new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At the same time, there are concerns that many of the clinical assessments used to evaluate cognition are no longer fit for purpose.

Alzheimer’s researcher Jeffrey Cummings, MD, a neurologist and research professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, notes, “The assessments often date from the 1970s and 1980s, when we had a much less thorough understanding of early disease presentation.” Digital testing offers a solution.

In a new episode of a Pearson-sponsored podcast series, “The Progress Profile: Alzheimer’s Research in Focus,” Cummings joined moderator John Harrison, Ph.D., CPsychol, CSci, AFBPsS, an associate professor at Alzheimercentrum, AUmc, Amsterdam, to share his thoughts on the role of digital testing in Alzheimer’s disease.

Heart rate, blood pressure, pain, hunger, thirst: Our awareness of these internal states is called interoception. It’s been called the “eighth sense,” and it has strong links to the capacity to regulate emotions.

If your district is like most others, you face a two-part challenge that is getting worse:

1. You struggle to find and keep school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other student services specialists.
2. The number of students who require IEPs and specialized support continues to rise.

Some jobs are inherently more challenging than others, due to higher stress levels, degree of physical and mental risk, and overall responsibility. Roles in industries like logging, fishing, construction, and mining top the list for risk of personal injury. Firefighters, corrections officers, pilots, and police officers face dangers that threaten their safety and the public’s well-being. Many of these professionals are repeatedly exposed to trauma, even when they are not directly involved.

 Although many organizations are working to increase safety in these roles, it is impossible to remove every aspect of risk. The stress of working in these positions, with the constant exposure to trauma and the threat of danger, takes a toll on employees — both physically and mentally. Over time, this stress can have a cumulative impact, not only on individual employees but also on the organizations they serve. Research shows the effects of workplace stress and the scope of impact (see chart below).

New agreement brings the CAT-MH^® and K-CAT^® assessments to Pearson's Q-global^® clinical assessment platform later this year.

Work is stressful — that’s a given. However, for some jobs, the sources of stress go beyond a demanding boss or a stream of deadlines, such as in positions in law enforcement or public safety, like firefighters, dispatchers, EMTs, corrections officers, and private security personnel.

Pearson has appointed Clay Richey to Managing Director of Pearson Clinical Assessments. With over 20 years of experience in product management and development, Clay has been an integral part of Pearson's Clinical organization, holding various product leadership roles throughout his eighteen-year tenure with the company.

Pearson's Clinical Assessment group provides over 300,000 clinical professionals with essential assessment tools used in education, healthcare and other clinical settings worldwide. Internationally recognized for validity and reliability, Pearson's clinical assessment portfolio includes gold-standard instruments such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, MMPI, and BASC that help clinicians make informed decisions that can improve lives.

"I'm honored to lead Pearson's Clinical Assessments team at such a pivotal time in our field," said Clay Richey. "The opportunities in front of us—where clinical expertise and technological innovation meet—are incredibly exciting and are poised to enable significant advancements in how professionals assess, diagnose, and support their patients. My focus will be on accelerating our use of emerging technologies while maintaining the scientific rigor and validity that practitioners depend on. By listening closely to our customers and collaborating across disciplines, we'll continue developing solutions that meaningfully improve clinical outcomes and accessibility."

Most recently, Clay led Pearson's Portfolio and Delivery team, overseeing product investment, development, and go-to-market strategies across the globe. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in strengthening Pearson's market position and expanding its digital capabilities.  

He has been a key contributor in the conceptualization and development of Pearson’s industry-changing Q-interactive Digital Assessment offering as well as driving Pearson's recent acquisition of wearable technology, Revibe, designed to help individuals struggling with focus and attention.

Clay holds a BA from Baylor University and an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and lives in San Antonio, Texas.

On June 17, global autism experts, researchers, educators and families in the autism community will gather at Pearson’s Virtual Autism Summit. For Clay Richey, who leads product development for Pearson Clinical Assessment, the event holds special meaning.