Digital clock-drawing tool to detect early Alzheimer's changes
Development and validation of efficient cognitive composite scores of digital tools for the detection of early pathophysiological changes in Alzheimers disease
This project uses a digital clock-drawing tool to find early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s in older adults who are still thinking clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would complete a digital clock-drawing task that records detailed timing and movement information while researchers compare those features to brain scans such as tau PET, amyloid measures, and other imaging. The team will look for specific drawing features that match underlying Alzheimer's-related brain changes, taking into account differences between people. They will follow participants over time to see whether the digital measures track subtle memory or thinking changes. The goal is to create a reliable, noninvasive digital score that reflects early pathophysiology before symptoms appear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults who currently have normal thinking but may be at risk for Alzheimer’s and who are willing to do digital testing and brain imaging over time are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, major motor or vision problems that prevent using the digital drawing test, or memory problems clearly due to non‑Alzheimer causes may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple, noninvasive way to spot Alzheimer’s-related brain changes earlier, helping people get into trials or care sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown that digital clock-drawing features can relate to tau PET signals, but combining multiple imaging types and proving longitudinal reliability is newer.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Fang Lu (Jessie) — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fu, Fang Lu (Jessie)
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 below.