Detecting early signs of learning difficulties in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Ahead of the Curve: Early detection and monitoring of learning decrements in Alzheimers disease
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11125838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease by using online memory and speed tests that you can take for just 10 minutes a day over a week, helping to track any small changes in your thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $827,427 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084017-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125838 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those experiencing early cognitive changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the early detection and monitoring of cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. It aims to improve current methods by utilizing web-based cognitive testing, which allows for more frequent and scalable assessments of learning abilities. Participants will engage in a Multi-Day Learning Curve (MDLC) assessment, where they will complete memory and processing speed tests for 10 minutes each day over a week. This approach seeks to identify subtle cognitive declines that may indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease at its preclinical stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions and better management of the condition.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using web-based cognitive assessments for early detection of cognitive decline, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papp, Kathryn Victoria — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Papp, Kathryn Victoria
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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.