Smartphone reminders to help future memory in mild cognitive impairment and early dementia
Official title: Smartphone-Based Solutions for Prospective Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11172500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project compares a smartphone reminder app to a paper-based memory aid for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia to help remember future tasks like taking medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $704,009 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082783-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11172500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia who can use or be supported to use a smartphone or a paper memory system, including individuals from low-SES, rural, or underrepresented groups.
✕Less likely to help
People with moderate to severe dementia, those unable to interact with a smartphone or paper aid even with support, or those with severe sensory or motor impairments may not benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
You would take part in a randomized trial where 200 people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia are assigned either a smartphone reminder app or a paper-based memory support system. The study starts with baseline memory and daily-function tests, then follows participants through a four-week intervention to see if reminders help with prospective memory. Half the participants will come from digitally-disadvantaged backgrounds (low income, rural, or historically underrepresented groups) to check whether the tools work across diverse people. The researchers will measure both subjective reports and objective tests of remembering, and look at whether any benefits last and generalize to everyday activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could make it easier for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia to remember important tasks and support greater independence in daily life.
How similar studies have gone: An earlier Stage I pilot from the same team showed feasibility and memory improvements with smartphone reminder apps, while prior mnemonic or cognitive-training approaches produced only modest gains.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scullin, Michael K — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Scullin, Michael K
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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.