Within the Brain Health and Resilience Valencia Challenge (BHRVC), led by the Catholic
University of Valencia (UCV), the NONNA Project is an innovative initiative exploring how
language-based interactions with virtual assistants can help detect early signs of cognitive
impairment.
NONNA focuses on the idea that everyday conversations contain valuable cognitive markers.
Changes in vocabulary, sentence structure, speech fluency, or narrative organisation may
appear years before clinical symptoms of cognitive disorders become evident. By analysing
these subtle linguistic signals, researchers aim to develop tools that support the earlier
identification of cognitive decline.
To achieve this goal, NONNA combines advances in artificial intelligence, natural language
processing, and digital health technologies. The project is developing intelligent virtual
assistants capable of engaging users in natural conversations while analysing linguistic patterns
associated with cognitive functioning.
The system includes several key components:
A conversational virtual assistant – designed to interact naturally with users through everyday
dialogue, storytelling, and simple cognitive activities. The assistant encourages spontaneous
speech, allowing the system to capture rich language samples during regular interaction.
Language-based cognitive markers – advanced algorithms analyse aspects of speech and
language such as lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, pauses, semantic coherence, and
narrative structure. These markers may provide early indicators of mild cognitive impairment
or other neurocognitive changes.
Continuous and non-invasive monitoring – unlike traditional cognitive tests administered in
clinical settings, the NONNA system collects language data through regular conversations at
home, making cognitive screening more accessible, ecologically valid, and less stressful for
users.
AI-assisted risk detection models – machine learning models integrate linguistic features with
other behavioural indicators to identify patterns associated with early cognitive decline,
helping to guide preventive interventions and further clinical assessment.
What makes the NONNA Project particularly innovative is its focus on natural
communication as a tool for cognitive health monitoring. Rather than relying solely on
structured tests, the system leverages everyday dialogue to capture meaningful cognitive
signals.
As part of the Brain Health and Resilience Valencia Challenge, NONNA contributes to the
development of next-generation digital tools aimed at promoting brain health, supporting the
early detection of cognitive impairment, and empowering individuals to monitor their cognitive
well-being over time.
