Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Official title: Identifying and Evaluating Sensory and Motor System Changes as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11619072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $477,245 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG096349-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11619072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults who are at risk for or are in the early stages of cognitive decline and are part of or willing to join longitudinal aging studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without risk factors or signs of cognitive decline may not experience direct benefits from these tests.
What this research studies
This project looks at how changes in senses like smell and hearing, plus balance, dexterity, and gait, may reveal Alzheimer’s years before symptoms appear. By using NIH Toolbox tests, researchers will see how well these measures and blood-based biomarkers together can diagnose early AD. The work builds on an existing long-term study of older adults to compare what early changes look like in those who develop cognitive decline versus healthy aging. The aim is to identify reliable, early behavioral signals that could prompt earlier interventions and better outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could enable earlier detection of Alzheimer’s and more timely care planning and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous longitudinal cohorts have shown promise in linking sensory and motor changes to cognitive aging and dementia risk, with ongoing validation needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tyner, Callie Elizabeth — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Tyner, Callie Elizabeth
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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.