University of Liverpool joins international project to study heart disease and memory loss

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The University of Liverpool is a key partner in a new EU-funded project, DORIAN GRAY, which explores the link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Understanding the connection

One in three people with CVD also experience MCI, but up to 80% of cases go undiagnosed. MCI causes more memory loss than normal ageing but is not as severe as dementia. The project, led jointly by the University of Brescia (coordinator) and the University of Liverpool (scientific coordination), involves 24 international partners and aligns with the EU’s Horizon Europe health goals.

DORIAN GRAY aims to uncover how CVD contributes to MCI and develop strategies to improve brain and heart health in ageing populations. Researchers will study data from CVD patients, especially those with heart failure, to understand what worsens cognitive decline.

A new approach to brain health

“For years, Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia were seen as separate conditions, but recent research suggests they are connected,” says Dr Riccardo Proietti, scientific coordinator from the University of Liverpool.

“CVD may directly contribute to cognitive decline through reduced blood flow, small strokes, and arterial stiffness. However, we still lack reliable ways to diagnose and assess risk early. DORIAN GRAY will help develop a science-backed link between CVD and MCI, using biomarkers to improve prevention policies and create a digital tool for cognitive health.”

AI and digital tools for prevention

The project will use real-world data from smartwatches, phones, and other devices, combined with AI, to assess risk and personalize treatment. This will help:

  • Prevent MCI by identifying at-risk individuals early.

  • Slow progression from MCI to dementia.

  • Reduce severity of cognitive decline in affected individuals.

A key innovation is a medical avatar that will guide users through exercise-based cognitive training in an interactive, game-like setting. This digital approach will help improve both brain function and lifestyle habits.

Key project goals

DORIAN GRAY will:

  • Analyse data from 300,000+ people across six countries to develop an AI risk model.

  • Create a digital coaching system to encourage healthy habits.

  • Develop avatar-based exergaming, combining physical and cognitive exercises.

  • Conduct a clinical trial in heart failure patients with MCI to test the approach.

  • Produce a Health Technology Assessment to evaluate effectiveness.

  • Share findings with patients, doctors, and policymakers across Europe.

Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre led by Professor Carrol Gamble will coordinate the two clinical studies of the project running in four different countries across Europe.

Potential Impact

By reducing dementia risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and inactivity, DORIAN GRAY aims to lower dementia cases in Europe. A 5-10% reduction in these risk factors could prevent 1-2 million dementia cases by 2050.

This project represents a major step toward improving both heart and brain health, offering new hope for millions at risk of cognitive decline.