We need to converge tech and science on patient care, not just clinical treatment

We are living in a moment where developments in AI, ubiquitous sensing, robotics, digital biomarkers and connected health platforms are creating new pathways for understanding, supporting and enhancing human capability well beyond acute clinical care.

But too often these technologies are developed in adjacent domains outside neurodegenerative care, leaving a mismatch between capability and real-world patient need. Neurodegenerative disease doesn’t wait for perfect solutions; people need meaningful support immediately, and many technologies already exist that could be adapted and scaled with the right focus.

Improving patient independence

Assistive technologies from powered orthotics and wearable robotics to adaptive devices and environmental intelligence are core examples of how tech can improve daily autonomy. Assistive technology has long been used to help people perform activities of daily living independently, reducing reliance on carers and enabling participation in work, social and personal life. 

Neurotechnology and brain–computer interface (BCI) research are pushing boundaries too. We’ve seen recent promise with first trial of the Neuralink brain implant in London, allowing a patient to control a computer mouse, play chess and open files using their mind. The technology offers hope to those suffering from paralysis. This is just one example too. In Australia, Synchron, a leading brain-computer interface (BCI) company, has integrated advanced AI technologies (including Nvidia platforms) into implanted neural interfaces that allow people with paralysis to control computers and digital environments solely via thought. 

While the Neuralink and BCI products may be one of the more future-facing solutions, many research initiatives have also begun translating robotics into practical support: wearable robotics developed for gait training and mobility assistance can help individuals with muscle weakness or balance challenges remain active. This isn’t theoretical, applied research in human assistive robots shows tangible improvements in mobility support for people with disabilities.

Detecting progression earlier

One of the most promising areas of convergence between technology, data and patient care is in digital biomarkers and gait analytics. Wearable sensor technologies and AI-enabled gait analysis have shown strong potential to detect subtle behavioural and mobility changes associated with neurodegenerative conditions, changes that can appear before clinical symptoms are obvious. In the US, the RNS System from NeuroPace is an implantable neuromodulation device that monitors brain activity and delivers stimulation when abnormal signals are detected to prevent seizures. Last year an Ultrasound Helmet was developed to treat Parkinson’s uninvasively, stimulating precise points in the brain with ultrasound waves rather than deep planted electrodes. 

Digital metrics are also derived from gait features and are being explored as early indicators of progression in diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia. These approaches offer non-invasive, scalable tools that can monitor change continuously in the community, rather than episodically in the clinic.

Reducing administrative burden so carers can care

Neurodegenerative care is administratively intense. Carers and clinicians often spend hours on documentation, scheduling, compliance reporting and care coordination; tasks that detract from direct patient engagement.

AI-driven intelligent coordination platforms and integrated care workflows can reduce this burden. Applied research in AI for clinical documentation and decision support highlights how advanced data analytics can simplify routine tasks and surface insights without adding work for care teams.

Adopting systems that capture and organise information across the care process ultimately means we can free carers to focus on providing empathy and judgement for patients.

Improving symptoms and rehabilitation

Technology is already enhancing symptom management and rehabilitation in ways that support autonomy rather than just clinical outcomes. AI-augmented physical therapy, robotics-assisted rehabilitation and sensor-guided exercise platforms are advancing personalised therapeutic support.

BCIs like the Neuralink are promising new pathways for communication for people with severe motor impairment. And while many BCI applications remain in early stages, their rapid pace of development means these tools are increasingly viable. Patient-driven needs can help guide their translation too, the opportunity lies in connecting these adjacent innovations with defined care use cases so they don’t remain research curiosities.

Opportunity at the intersection

The gap in delivery isn’t a lack of available technology but a lack of alignment between what technology can do and what patients need day-to-day.

Adjacent technologies originally developed for elder care, general mobility support, sports performance, remote monitoring, rehabilitation robotics and consumer health are all relevant to neurodegenerative care. With the right evidence pathways and care integrations, they can move from emerging technology to everyday patient tools.

This convergence of engineering, AI, wearable data, robotics, sensor technology and care experience can and should be directed at lived experience outcomes, including:

• Supporting patients to live autonomously for longer

• Detecting changes early and sensitively

• Reducing administrative friction for carers

• Personalising rehab and support to individual goals

These are the outcomes that matter most to people living with neurodegenerative disease. With a cohesive approach that brings adjacent technologies into defined neurological care pathways, we can ensure innovations are not just powerful, they are practical, accessible and life-enhancing.

MSWA Neurological Care Accelerator a global programme grounded in Western Australia

This is the logic behind the MSWA Multiple Sclerosis & Neurological Care Accelerator, based in Western Australia but built with a global outlook.

What makes this model distinctive is not just where it is based, but how it works:

Condition-informed, not condition-limited

Rooted in MSWA’s lived experience expertise, the programme supports ventures working across MS and other neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s, MND, Huntington’s, stroke and acquired brain injury. As well as across technologies such as AI, wearables, remote monitoring and digital health.

Designed to move beyond the theoretical

By giving founders direct access to clinicians and people living with neurological conditions, the accelerator ensures founders are challenged on what better means for patients; how their product fits into care workflows; what evidence decision-makers require; and where the ethical and trust risks lie.

Globally connected, locally grounded

Western Australia provides a defined ecosystem in which to pilot, learn and iterate quickly, while Founders Factory’s broader network connects ventures, expertise and capital internationally.