Understanding how aging affects navigation skills.
Official title: A neurocomputational model of age-related differences in navigation.
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10840971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the way people find their way around, especially for older adults and those with mild cognitive issues, by using virtual reality to see how they use different clues to navigate new places.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG081558-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those experiencing mild cognitive impairment or early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 years old or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age-related changes impact navigation abilities, particularly in older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. By developing a neurocomputational model, the study aims to explore how older individuals rely on different types of cues when navigating unfamiliar environments. Participants will engage in immersive virtual reality experiences to assess their navigation strategies and cognitive processes. The findings could lead to a better understanding of the cognitive challenges faced by older adults in navigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cognitive decline in aging, potentially leading to improved interventions for navigation difficulties in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using computational models to understand cognitive processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ekstrom, Arne D — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Ekstrom, Arne D
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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.