Ultra‑wideband fall detection and prediction for people with dementia
Official title: Ultra Wideband Fall Detection and Prediction Solution for People Living with Dementia
Funded at Clairvoyant Networks, INC. · NIH-11195726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A home sensor system using ultra‑wideband signals plus motion sensors to detect and predict falls for people living with dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clairvoyant Networks, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Spicewood, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,216,694 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG076218-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who are at risk of falling and who can have home sensors installed or wear the device would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not live near participating sites, cannot have sensors installed in their home, or cannot tolerate wearing or being around the equipment may not benefit from participation.
What this research studies
This project develops Theora® 360, a system that combines ultra‑wideband (UWB) location tracking with accelerometers and gyroscopes to spot falls and changes in walking that raise fall risk. In the first phase the team will test simulated falls in a laboratory to see how well the system detects falls and whether sensor placement matters. Later phases will move the system into real‑world settings and collect continuous mobility data to detect gait and balance changes and send alert notifications. The goal is to make it easier to get help quickly after a fall and to monitor mobility over time without relying on self‑reports.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could speed help after falls and identify mobility changes so caregivers and clinicians can act before a serious injury.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work using accelerometers and gyroscopes has shown promise for fall detection, but adding ultra‑wideband location tracking for high‑precision detection and prediction in dementia is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Clairvoyant Networks, INC.
Spicewood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Symonds, Shelley L — Clairvoyant Networks, INC.
- Study coordinator: Symonds, Shelley L
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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.