Technology for Thinking Skills and Social Connections in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Official title: Project 2: Technology Support for Cognition and Social Engagement for Aging Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11105858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to create and test smart software that helps older adults with mild memory problems improve their daily activities and stay connected with others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,007 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG073090-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and may experience difficulties with everyday activities or social engagement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Mild Cognitive Impairment or those with advanced dementia may not directly benefit from this specific technology development.
What this research studies
Many older adults experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can make everyday tasks challenging and lead to feelings of loneliness. While some technology helps with memory training, this project focuses on developing a new adaptive software that supports a wider range of daily activities and encourages social interaction. We will talk with older adults and their caregivers to understand their needs and then design and refine the software based on their feedback. The goal is to create a personalized system that adjusts to each person's abilities, making it easier to manage daily life and engage socially.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could offer a new way for older adults with MCI to maintain their independence, improve their daily functioning, and reduce social isolation.
How similar studies have gone: While other technology-based interventions for cognitive impairment exist, this project is novel in its focus on adaptive software for both everyday activities and social engagement.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boot, Walter Richard — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Boot, Walter Richard
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Technology to support thinking and social life for older adults with mild cognitive impairment
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A long-term study in ethnically diverse twins explores how everyday social experiences, like loneliness or warmth from others, relate to mild cognitive impairment and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
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This project uses brain imaging to understand how aging and amnestic mild cognitive impairment change how visual memories are stored and used.
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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.