Low-cost wearable test for early Alzheimer's detection
Digital biomarker for a low cost ambulatory test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11169991
A low-cost wearable EEG device aims to spot early signs of Alzheimer's in people with mild memory problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would wear a small, dry-electrode EEG device at home that records brain activity during daily life. Researchers will analyze the recordings for brief seizure-like activity and disruptions in brain network patterns and combine those signals into a digital biomarker. The project focuses on people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment to see if the combined marker predicts progression to Alzheimer's. Data collection includes at-home EEG sessions and clinic visits for baseline and follow-up assessments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment or new memory concerns who can do at-home EEG recordings and attend occasional clinic visits.
Not a fit: People without cognitive complaints, those with advanced dementia, or those unable to use wearable EEG devices are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable affordable, noninvasive early detection of Alzheimer's risk so people can access care and plan sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown EEG network changes and higher seizure prevalence in Alzheimer's, but combining epileptiform activity with network markers using ambulatory dry-EEG is largely novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOSHER, JOHN COMPTON — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: MOSHER, JOHN COMPTON
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer disease detection, Alzheimer disease screening, Alzheimer syndrome