Creating a quick motor test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neurosessments: Developing a quick, objective motor test to prompt cognitivetesting in primary care
Funded at Neurosessments LLC · NIH-10759203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a quick and easy motor test to help doctors spot Alzheimer's and related dementias early, so older adults can get the care they need faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neurosessments LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $345,604 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG082604-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10759203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, including Black older adults who have historically faced higher rates of missed diagnoses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those who do not exhibit any symptoms or risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a fast and objective motor test that can be used in primary care settings to help identify Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The test is designed to be administered by medical staff before the patient meets with a physician, allowing for timely cognitive testing or referrals if necessary. The approach leverages findings that motor functions are affected early in Alzheimer's progression, making it a valuable tool for early detection. The test, called qBEANS, is intended to be quick, taking less than two minutes to complete, and suitable for older adults from diverse backgrounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, improving patient outcomes and care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using motor tests for dementia detection, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Neurosessments LLC
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Love, Jill Winquist — Neurosessments LLC
- Study coordinator: Love, Jill Winquist
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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.