Understanding how language errors can help detect Alzheimer's disease early
Official title: Tracking Autocorrection to Explain its Sensitivity to AD
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10891136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how small mistakes we make when reading out loud might help spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and it's designed for people who want to understand their cognitive health better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $294,484 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG087411-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or exhibit early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how subtle changes in language production can indicate early signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It focuses on a specific type of language error called autocorrection, which occurs when individuals automatically correct unexpected words while reading. By analyzing these errors, the study aims to develop a simple and cost-effective diagnostic tool that can be used in clinical settings to detect AD at earlier stages. Participants will read aloud paragraphs with altered words to elicit these autocorrection responses, providing valuable insights into the cognitive mechanisms affected by AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using language-based assessments for detecting cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Chuchu — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Li, Chuchu
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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.