Car-based monitoring to spot early memory and thinking changes
Smart driving technology for non-invasive detection of age-related cognitive decline
A small sensor and AI system placed in a car that watches driving and health signals to spot early memory and thinking changes in older adults who drive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tf Health Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fountain Hills, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11185442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a small, unobtrusive sensor package and companion app added to your car that records driving patterns and some biometric signals during everyday trips. The system uses AI to look for driving behaviors and physiologic signs that research links to early memory and thinking problems. The device is designed to work with many car makes and to run continuously without changing your routine. Study staff will compare the driving-based signals with standard memory and thinking tests to check how well the system finds early changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who regularly drive and are concerned about memory or thinking changes, especially older adults or those with mild cognitive symptoms, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not drive, have severe physical disabilities that prevent driving, or do not want in-car sensors are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If it works, this could identify early cognitive changes from normal driving so people can get help or plan sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked driving behavior to mild cognitive impairment, but fully integrated, car-based commercial sensor systems remain novel and are still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Fountain Hills, United States
- Tf Health Corporation — Fountain Hills, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsow, Francis — Tf Health Corporation
- Study coordinator: Tsow, Francis
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.