Dynamic cognitive health from everyday online surveys in dementia research
Official title: Dynamic Cognitive Phenotyping Using Digital Survey Paradata for Early Detection of Cognitive Decline in Dementia Research
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11450394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A big study uses everyday online surveys to read how people’s thinking changes over time, with the goal of spotting early signs of dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $696,458 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AG068190-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults participating in the Understanding America Study who consent to cognitive monitoring through online surveys.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not participate in online surveys or who have no risk for cognitive decline may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses digital survey paradata, like how quickly people answer questions and patterns in responses, to track short-term changes in cognitive functioning in people at risk for dementia. By analyzing over 700 biweekly survey waves from the Understanding America Study, researchers will build time-based profiles of cognitive performance across multiple domains. These dynamic phenotypes aim to reveal subtle fluctuations that traditional one-off tests might miss, helping identify when cognitive health starts to decline. The work continues from an earlier study that showed these response patterns can predict dementia onset, now focused on refining and validating these dynamic measures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable earlier detection of cognitive decline and more timely interventions for people at risk of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work has shown that survey response patterns can predict cognitive decline, supporting further development of dynamic phenotypes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schneider, Stefan — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Schneider, Stefan
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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.