A New Brain Wave Test for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Problems
Official title: Validation of a novel EEG-based neurodiagnostic platform for assessing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Spark Neuro INC. · NIH-11158644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a new, easy brain wave test to help identify people who might have Alzheimer's disease or other memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spark Neuro INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,161,079 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG078039-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this type of research would be individuals experiencing memory concerns or cognitive impairment who might be candidates for Alzheimer's disease biomarker testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive impairment or those not seeking a diagnosis for memory issues would likely not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease diagnosis often requires complex tests, and this project aims to make that process simpler and more accessible. We are working on a new tool called SPARK Scan, which uses brain wave measurements (EEG) to detect and stage memory problems. This non-invasive and cost-effective test could help doctors decide who needs further specialized testing for Alzheimer's. The current phase involves a large clinical study to confirm how well this new test works.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new brain wave test could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of Alzheimer's disease, allowing patients to access treatments sooner.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon successful findings from an earlier phase, suggesting promising initial results for the technology.
Where this research is happening
-
Spark Neuro INC.
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoder, Keith — Spark Neuro INC.
- Study coordinator: Yoder, Keith
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.