Creating digital tools to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Development and validation of efficient cognitive composite scores of digital tools for the detection of early pathophysiological changes in Alzheimers disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10836540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new digital drawing tool to help spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease in people who are currently healthy, making it easier to identify those who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $126,792 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG081457-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cognitively normal older adults who may be at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with diagnosed Alzheimer's disease or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and validating digital tools that can efficiently assess cognitive changes associated with early Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing a digital clock drawing test, the study aims to capture detailed drawing outcomes and processes that correlate with underlying brain changes detected through advanced imaging techniques. The goal is to improve the detection of preclinical Alzheimer's in cognitively normal individuals, making it easier to identify those at risk. Participants will engage with these digital assessments, which are designed to be non-invasive and user-friendly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using digital tools for cognitive assessment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Fang Lu (Jessie) — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fu, Fang Lu (Jessie)
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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.