A platform to measure how electric wheelchairs are used by people with Alzheimer's and cognitive impairments.
Official title: An Informatics Platform for Objectively Quantifying Electric Power Wheelchair Usage for those with Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias, and Cognitive Impairments
Funded at Innovative Design Labs, INC. · NIH-10457478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is developing a helpful tool for caregivers to track how people with Alzheimer's and related conditions use their electric wheelchairs, so they can spot any changes in driving habits and keep users safe while allowing them to stay independent.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Innovative Design Labs, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,207,722 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG074779-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10457478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who use electric wheelchairs and are experiencing or are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use electric wheelchairs or who do not have cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create an informatics platform that helps caregivers monitor and quantify the usage of electric wheelchairs by individuals with Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias, and cognitive impairments. The platform will provide objective data on driving behavior, allowing caregivers to make informed decisions about the safety and independence of wheelchair users. By observing and analyzing driving habits, the system seeks to identify subtle changes in cognitive abilities that may affect wheelchair operation. This could help caregivers intervene before potential accidents occur, ensuring the safety of users while maintaining their mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the safety and independence of wheelchair users with cognitive impairments by providing caregivers with critical insights into their driving abilities.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using informatics to monitor wheelchair usage is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other areas of assistive technology, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Innovative Design Labs, INC.
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Becker, Adam — Innovative Design Labs, INC.
- Study coordinator: Becker, Adam
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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.