Understanding how gait changes can indicate early signs of dementia
Official title: Neural mechanisms of gait disturbances as individualized digital biomarker trajectories in preclinical dementia
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10979759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in walking might be linked to memory problems in people at risk for Alzheimer's and similar conditions, using smart technology to spot these changes early, so you can take part in easy tests from home to help with early detection and support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $955,432 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089169-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment or have a family history of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced dementia or those who do not exhibit any cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gait disturbances and cognitive decline in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By using advanced AI and computer vision tools, the study aims to identify subtle changes in movement that may signal the onset of dementia before traditional diagnoses are made. Participants may engage in simple physical performance tests that can be monitored at home, making it accessible and convenient. The goal is to develop individualized digital biomarkers that can help in early detection and intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment options for patients at risk of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using gait analysis as a potential early indicator of cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adeli, Ehsan — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Adeli, Ehsan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Home-based gait monitoring to spot fall risk in seniors at risk for dementia
A home-based smartphone app will track daily walking patterns in people 65 and older, especially those with mild cognitive impairment, to identify when they are at higher risk of falling.
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Gait-based digital biomarkers to identify dementia types
A study at Stanford will use AI and video analysis to track how people walk and move, to help distinguish different kinds of dementia.
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Understanding Walking Changes as an Early Sign of Alzheimer's and Dementia
This project looks at how changes in walking patterns might give us early clues about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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Walking and hand-movement patterns as digital clues for early dementia
The team will use smartphone and camera recordings plus AI to track walking and hand movements to find early signs of Alzheimer's and related dementias in people before diagnosis.
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Understanding how aging affects brain function, walking, and thinking skills
This study is looking at how getting older affects your brain health, walking, and thinking skills, especially for those who might be starting to have some memory or thinking challenges, to find ways to help improve your quality of life as you age.
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Investigating brain connections related to dementia and walking problems in Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at how certain brain connections might affect memory and walking problems in people with Parkinson's disease, and it hopes to find clues that could help improve treatments for these challenges.
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.