Understanding how language errors can help detect Alzheimer's disease early

Tracking Autocorrection to Explain its Sensitivity to AD

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10891136

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 typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891136 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or exhibit early signs of cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive concerns may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer disease detectionAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.