Understanding how brain changes affect daily activities in early dementia
Official title: Linking dementia pathology and alteration in brain activation to complex daily functional decline during the preclinical dementia stage
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11079437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain activity might affect daily tasks like walking in people who are at risk for dementia, especially in the early stages, to help find early signs of the condition and support those affected in staying independent and enjoying life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $767,025 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082188-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are experiencing early signs of difficulty in managing complex daily activities but have not yet shown significant impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced dementia or have severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between brain activation patterns and the decline in complex daily functions in individuals at risk for dementia, particularly during the early stages before significant impairment occurs. By using advanced electroencephalography (EEG) techniques, the study aims to identify specific brain activity related to gait and other daily tasks. The goal is to detect early signs of dementia-related changes, which could lead to timely interventions that may help maintain independence and quality of life for those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of dementia, allowing for interventions that may slow down or prevent functional decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying early biomarkers of dementia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Sanctis, Pierfilippo — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: De Sanctis, Pierfilippo
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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.