Smart driving tech to detect early cognitive changes in adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias
Official title: Smart driving technology for non-invasive detection of age-related cognitive decline
Funded at Tf Health Corporation · NIH-11418920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, unobtrusive system uses in-car sensors and AI to monitor driving and biometrics to spot early cognitive changes in people 21 and older who have or are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tf Health Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fountain Hills, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $817,562 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG078063-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who have or are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cognitive concerns or those not using their own driving data may not benefit from this system.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a car-based sensing system that continuously collects data about a person’s driving patterns, biometrics, and environment to identify early signs of cognitive decline. The team intends to validate the system in real-world driving conditions, using AI to interpret multi-modal signals. If successful, the approach could enable earlier diagnosis and timely interventions to help maintain independence and safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the system works, it could help detect cognitive decline earlier in people with AD/ADRD, potentially guiding sooner treatment and safer driving.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research links driving patterns to cognitive health, but there are no commercial products implementing this continuous in-car assessment approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tf Health Corporation
Fountain Hills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsow, Francis — Tf Health Corporation
- Study coordinator: Tsow, Francis
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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.