Exploring lifestyle factors and digital tools to assess Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Life's Essential 8, Digital Cognitive Markers, and Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11133471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how everyday habits can affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older adults, using fun tools like smartphone apps and wearables to keep track of changes in thinking over time, and it aims to help people understand how making healthier lifestyle choices might delay symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $441,612 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG086303-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are interested in monitoring their cognitive health and lifestyle factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how lifestyle factors, measured by Life's Essential 8, can influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly in older adults. It utilizes innovative digital tools, such as smartphone applications and wearable devices, to monitor cognitive changes over time. By analyzing data from a large cohort, the study aims to identify early signs of cognitive decline and understand how lifestyle modifications can potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms. Participants will be engaged in regular assessments to track their cognitive health and lifestyle choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease through lifestyle changes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital tools for cognitive assessment, but this specific approach combining lifestyle factors with digital markers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Chunyu — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Liu, Chunyu
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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.