Monitoring mobility and cognition in older adults using wearable sensors
Official title: SCH: Multi-modal Biosensing and Predictive Analytics for Continuous Monitoring of Mobility and Cognition in an Aging Population
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-11161610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-wear device that helps keep track of how older adults move and think, especially those who might be at risk for Alzheimer's, so we can catch any changes in their health early and help them better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $296,424 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG091766-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those showing early signs of cognitive decline or at risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any cognitive or mobility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a system of wearable sensors that continuously monitor mobility and cognitive functions in older adults, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. By utilizing advanced technologies, the project seeks to provide real-time data on various biophysical domains such as gait, posture, and heart rate variability. The goal is to create a comfortable and user-friendly monitoring system that can detect subtle changes in health over time, which traditional methods may miss. This innovative approach could lead to earlier interventions and improved management of cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier detection and better management of cognitive decline in older adults, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable technology for health monitoring, indicating that this approach could be effective for older adults as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sonkusale, Sameer R — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Sonkusale, Sameer R
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A Johns Hopkins program studies how aging affects memory by looking at a rat model, with findings that could point to new ways to help people with age-related memory problems.
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Multi-modal wearable system to track mobility and thinking in older adults
A wearable sensor system will continuously monitor movement and cognition in people aged 65 and older to help detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.