Early detection of memory and thinking problems in underserved primary care using health and consumer technology
Primary Care Detection of Cognitive Impairment Leveraging Health and Consumer Technologies in Underserved Communities: The MyCog Trial
['FUNDING_U01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11177048
This project uses brief, tablet-based memory and thinking checks in primary care clinics that serve older, underserved adults to find cognitive impairment sooner.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11177048 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you get care at a participating primary care clinic, the team will use short NIH Toolbox–based tests on tablets or similar consumer devices during clinic visits to screen for thinking and memory problems. The approach is designed to fit into routine clinic workflow in community health centers that serve low-income and minority patients. Positive screens trigger follow-up steps to help clinicians manage and refer patients for further evaluation or support. The trial compares how well this integrated screening works across real-world clinics and how consistently it is used.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Community-dwelling adults, especially those aged 65 and older, who receive care at participating primary care clinics that serve underserved or low-income populations are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People who do not attend participating clinics, those already diagnosed and managed for dementia, or younger adults not in the target clinics may not directly benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help catch cognitive problems earlier in underserved older adults so they can get support, treatment, and planning sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Brief clinic-based cognitive screening programs have shown promise for improving detection in some settings, but integrating and sustaining these approaches in underserved primary care clinics is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WOLF, MICHAEL S — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WOLF, MICHAEL S
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.