A system that uses facial expressions to improve cognitive training for older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: A facial expression-based personalization engine (FPE) for monitoring and modulating real-time effective engagement in cognitive training in older adults at risk for AD/ADRD
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10929551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new system that watches your facial expressions to help make brain training exercises more engaging for older adults at risk for Alzheimer's, so you can stay interested and get the most out of your training at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $341,238 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AG084471-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and are willing to participate in at-home cognitive training.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a facial expression-based personalization engine (FPE) to enhance engagement in cognitive training for older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The FPE will monitor participants' facial expressions to assess their level of engagement and adjust the training tasks accordingly to maintain interest and effectiveness. By doing so, the study aims to improve adherence to cognitive training programs that can be done at home, ultimately supporting cognitive health in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cognitive training programs that help older adults maintain their cognitive abilities and potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology to enhance engagement in cognitive training, making this approach both innovative and building on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Feng Vankee — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Feng Vankee
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.