Creating a tool to assess daily functioning in people with Alzheimer's disease using virtual reality
Official title: Development of a Qualification Plan for the Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool - Short List (VRFCAT-SLx) (DDT COA #000004)
Funded at Critical Path Institute · NIH-11087925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new virtual reality tool that helps understand how Alzheimer's affects daily activities, so we can better support people with the condition and improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Critical Path Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,984 |
| NIH project number | 1U01FD008424-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with biomarker-positive, clinical stages 2 and 3 Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or those without biomarker evidence of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a qualification plan for a virtual reality tool designed to assess the daily functioning of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The tool aims to measure how cognitive impairment affects the ability to perform everyday activities, which is crucial for understanding the progression of AD. By validating this tool, researchers hope to provide a reliable measure that can be used in drug development for early-stage AD. The study will involve both qualitative and quantitative assessments to ensure the tool's effectiveness and relevance for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a standardized tool that helps in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments for Alzheimer's disease, ultimately improving patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using virtual reality tools for cognitive assessments, indicating a promising approach for this qualification plan.
Where this research is happening
-
Critical Path Institute
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eremenco, Sonya — Critical Path Institute
- Study coordinator: Eremenco, Sonya
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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.