Developing a low-cost EEG sensor to monitor sleep disruptions in early Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Cost effective Electroencephalography sensor for monitoring sleep disruption in early stages of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-10478859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use, and affordable device that helps people with early Alzheimer's disease track their sleep patterns at home, so we can better understand how their sleep affects their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG072517-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10478859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who experience sleep disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without sleep disruption symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a cost-effective electroencephalography (EEG) sensor designed for home use to monitor sleep disruptions in patients with early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to improve the accuracy of sleep monitoring by developing novel electrodes and wireless technology that can reliably capture sleep patterns, which are crucial for understanding the progression of Alzheimer's. By making the device user-friendly and affordable, the research seeks to facilitate widespread adoption and monitoring of sleep architecture in patients. This approach combines innovative materials and technology to enhance the comfort and effectiveness of EEG recordings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable and accessible method for monitoring sleep disruptions, potentially leading to earlier detection and better management of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using EEG technology for sleep monitoring, but this specific approach focusing on cost-effectiveness and home use is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Jian-Young — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Wu, Jian-Young
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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.