An app to help older adults with cognitive impairment drive safely
Official title: A novel driving coach app for older adults with cognitive impairment
Funded at Minnesota Healthsolutions Corporation · NIH-10914273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a friendly driving coach app designed for older adults with memory challenges, like Alzheimer's, to help them drive safely and confidently while getting helpful tips in real-time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minnesota Healthsolutions Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Paul, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,491 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AG084374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease related dementias, or other forms of cognitive impairment who are still driving.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cognitive impairments or those who have already ceased driving may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a driving coach app tailored for older adults experiencing cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The app will provide real-time feedback on driving behavior and personalized coaching to enhance safety and mobility. By focusing on the unique needs of these individuals, the app seeks to extend their ability to drive while ensuring their safety and that of others on the road. The project leverages expertise in developing technology for older adults and incorporates driving data to inform its coaching strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the safety and independence of older adults with cognitive impairments by enabling them to drive more safely.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology to assist older drivers, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Minnesota Healthsolutions Corporation
Saint Paul, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kramer, Kevin M. — Minnesota Healthsolutions Corporation
- Study coordinator: Kramer, Kevin M.
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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.