New computer test for assessing cognitive function in older adults
Official title: Adaptive Testing of Cognitive Function based on multi-dimensional Item Response Theory
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11054153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a new online test called CAT-COG to help check how well older adults think and remember, making it easy for them to take the test from home or at a doctor's office, so they can keep track of any changes in their cognitive abilities over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $354,727 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG084070-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 65 and older who may be at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a computerized adaptive test (CAT) called CAT-COG to evaluate cognitive function in older adults. The test will assess various cognitive abilities, including memory, language, processing speed, and reasoning, using advanced statistical methods to ensure accuracy and efficiency. It can be administered in clinical settings or remotely, making it accessible for individuals who may have difficulty visiting a healthcare facility. By utilizing a large item bank, the test can provide repeated assessments without redundancy, allowing for better tracking of cognitive changes over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of cognitive impairments, enabling timely interventions for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using adaptive testing methods for cognitive assessment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibbons, Robert D — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gibbons, Robert D
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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.