Brain activity linked to early changes in daily functioning before dementia
Linking dementia pathology and alteration in brain activation to complex daily functional decline during the preclinical dementia stage
Researchers are measuring walking-related brain signals in older adults to find patterns that show early declines in managing complex daily tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312651 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would come to the clinic and wear a lightweight EEG cap while walking and performing everyday activities so the team can record brain activity tied to gait and complex tasks. They will also use motion sensors, brain imaging, and clinical measures to link those brain signals to subtle changes in managing medications, finances, and other complex daily functions. The goal is to find a consistent EEG pattern during gait that appears before obvious memory or daily living problems. If such a signature is found, it could help identify people at risk earlier so they can get monitoring or early interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults who are mostly cognitively normal or have only very mild changes and who may notice difficulties with complex everyday tasks like managing medications or finances.
Not a fit: People with moderate to severe dementia or who cannot safely walk or tolerate EEG and in-person testing are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could allow earlier identification of people at risk for dementia so they can receive monitoring, treatments, or supports sooner to help preserve independence.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked gait changes and brain imaging to dementia risk, but using EEG during complex gait tasks is a relatively new approach with promising preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Sanctis, Pierfilippo — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: De Sanctis, Pierfilippo
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 below.