TECHNOLOGY and daily living to support cognitive health in aging
Official title: The TECHReserve Cohort Study: Technological Engagement for Cognitive Health and Reserve
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11419975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how staying digitally engaged (using the internet and smartphones) might protect against Alzheimer’s disease and related cognitive problems in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $750,765 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG102730-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults without dementia who use or could use digital technologies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with advanced dementia or those unable to use digital technologies may gain less benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will enroll adults and track how their use of digital tools relates to cognitive health over several years. The study will explore how digital engagement affects brain aging, whether it acts independently of other cognitive reserves, and what neurobiological markers might explain any protective effects. By examining the structure of technological reserve and its relationship to existing cognitive reserve concepts, the team hopes to clarify if tech use could be a practical way to support brain health. The work combines behavioral data with biomarkers to understand potential mechanisms behind digital engagement’s benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide practical recommendations for maintaining cognitive health through everyday technology use.
How similar studies have gone: Prior large studies have shown associations between digital engagement and lower dementia risk, but causal pathways and mechanisms remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiselica, Andrew Mark — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Kiselica, Andrew Mark
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.