Signant SmartSignals® CDR System® ​

The leader in computerized cognitive testing

A New Generation of Computerized Cognitive Testing

The Signant SmartSignals® CDR System® revolutionized how we measure changes in cognition in clinical trials. Over 35 years ago, the CDR System was the first computerized solution to challenge paper-and-pencil neuropsychological testing, providing groundbreaking millisecond reaction time and secure data capture. Since then, its widespread adoption has generated the industry’s largest normative database, spanning the broadest range of therapeutic areas, and facilitating meaningful interpretation of test findings.

Our next generation web-based solution uses keyboard input to deliver the same proven speed and accuracy of its predecessor solution, with easier logistics and administration. This was driven by significant research into evolving industry needs and investment into the next generation release of the most widely validated in clinical trials.

Identify subtle cognitive changes

Detect subtle changes early

Administer this highly sensitive battery of computerized cognition tasks, specifically designed for clinical trials, repeatedly throughout your study to identify changes in cognitive function in any participant population.

Measure major cognitive domains

Precisely assess working and episodic memory, attention, and executive function tasks relevant in everyday life.

Complete assessments quickly

Each assessment is brief to complete (30 minutes or less depending on the content of the battery) thus reducing participants testing burden.

Assess your drug's cognitive safety

Signant’s attention tests have been used in over 500 cognitive safety assessments over the last 35 years, some of which were used to support product labeling, across a broad range of therapy areas. The cognitive safety battery includes the following tests:

Simple Reaction Time

Measures alertness and the ability to focus concentration.

Digital Vigilance

Measures sustained and intensive attention.

Choice Reaction Time

Measures alertness, the ability to focus concentration, and information processing.

Graphic design of brain made of lines to denote technology

Why choose Signant’s CDR System to support your Phase I study?​

  • The Signant SmartSignals CDR System produces data that is more reliable and measurable than paper-based methods. 
  • Signant’s CDR System attention battery can be administered in less than ten minutes by non-specialists. The battery content can be tailored to your protocol’s needs, and data are automatically uploaded to a secure database and immediately available for analysis.
  • Signant’s CDR System is provided with our scientific expertise to help you understand and assess the effect of your drug/therapy on cognitive function and safety.
  • Signant’s industry-leading normative database and extensive list of publications (and papers) will enhance interpretation of your data. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How are cognitive changes assessed in clinical trial patients?

Cognitive function and changes are assessed using three general approaches: self-report, informant-report, and performance-based measures. Many scales and questionnaires, such as ECog, are commonly used to measure general cognitive function as well as indication-specific cognition, such as ADAS-COG in dementia studies. Other approaches include sensitive computerized clinical assessment batteries designed to detect subtle cognitive changes that can be applied in any trial for any indication.

What is included in a clinical trial cognitive assessment?

While scales and questionnaires vary depending on their purpose, cognitive assessments generally test working memory, episodic memory, attention, tasks, and functions required for everyday life, such as problem-solving and personal care.

What is the purpose of a cognitive test in clinical trials?

Cognitive assessments are used to detect subtle changes in cognitive function, such as impairment or improvements, to determine a treatment’s effect in patients.

What population can this system assess?

Our web-enabled CDR System is a disease-agnostic tool that can provide cognitive testing for any type of population, from healthy volunteers and patients with minor cognitive impairment to patients with dementia. ​

Can you assess cognitive deficit, cognitive improvement, or both using the SmartSignals CDR System

Featuring bidirectional sensitivity, the CDR System can assess potential deficit and improvement in cognition as exemplified by frequent use in Phase I clinical research studies. ​

Want to learn more?​