Technology to support thinking and social life for 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-11377274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site program is developing an adaptive software to help older adults with mild cognitive impairment stay sharp, manage daily tasks, and stay socially connected.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $447,888 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG073090-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65 and older diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or at risk for AD/ADRD who want to use technology to support daily activities and social connectedness.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cognitive impairment or those who are not comfortable using technology may derive little or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create an intelligent, user-friendly software system that adapts to the abilities of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It focuses on supporting everyday activities and social engagement, not just memory training. Researchers will gather input from people with MCI and their caregivers, test different design features, and iterate the interface to improve usability and relevance for daily life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the software could help older adults with MCI maintain independence and reduce social isolation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous technology-based approaches show promise but have often focused narrowly on cognitive training rather than daily functioning 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.
-
Technology for Thinking Skills and Social Connections in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
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.
-
Using a Conversational AI to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls at Home
A small, practical project uses a chat-based AI coach to help people 65 and older follow proven steps to prevent falls, including those with mild cognitive impairment.
-
Technology tools to help older adults manage health information and finances with digital assistants
A project to build and test intelligent digital helpers that assist adults 65 and older (including those with mild cognitive impairment) in gathering, organizing, and acting on health information and Medicare-related tasks.
-
How everyday relationships affect memory and dementia risk in diverse twins
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.
-
Memory and vision in aging and mild cognitive impairment
This project uses brain imaging to understand how aging and amnestic mild cognitive impairment change how visual memories are stored and used.
-
AI conversational coach to deliver STEADI fall-prevention for older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment
An easy-to-use virtual coach will guide older adults, including those with mild memory problems, through the CDC's STEADI fall-prevention steps to help reduce falls and keep people safer at home.
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.