ToolBox Detect: Finding Cognitive Decline Early in Doctor's Offices
ToolBox Detect: Low Cost Detection of Cognitive Decline in Primary Care Settings
This project helps doctors in regular clinics better find signs of memory and thinking problems in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10872257 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many older adults experience changes in memory and thinking, but these are often missed during regular doctor visits. This project aims to create and use an easy-to-use, electronic system that helps primary care doctors routinely check for cognitive decline, especially during annual wellness visits. The goal is to make it simpler for doctors to identify these changes early, ensuring patients receive timely care and support. This approach also helps clinics set up clear steps for what to do next if cognitive issues are found, including involving family and planning for future care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older who visit their primary care doctor for routine check-ups, especially annual wellness visits.
Not a fit: Patients who are not 65 or older, or who do not visit a primary care setting where this tool is implemented, may not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to earlier detection of cognitive decline, allowing patients to receive timely support and care planning for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: While the need for better cognitive assessment is recognized, this project focuses on implementing a user-centered, EHR-linked strategy in diverse primary care settings, which is a practical and scalable approach building on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowinski, Cindy J. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Nowinski, Cindy J.
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 below.