Using a smartphone app to help individuals with Down syndrome remember personal experiences better.
Use of a digital memory prosthetic to support autobiographical memory in down syndrome
This study is testing a smartphone app called HippoCamera to help people with Down syndrome remember their daily experiences better, making it easier for them to recall important moments and improve their overall happiness and independence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10790310 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a smartphone application called HippoCamera to support individuals with Down syndrome in enhancing their autobiographical memory. Participants will use the app to record and replay daily events, which is designed to help them remember specific details from their past. The app employs a research-based algorithm to optimize the consolidation of these memories, potentially improving the quality of life and independence for users. The study aims to address the common memory challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome, which can lead to increased anxiety and depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults with Down syndrome who experience difficulties with autobiographical memory.
Not a fit: Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not have significant memory challenges may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of individuals with Down syndrome to recall personal memories, enhancing their social interactions and emotional well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of digital tools for memory enhancement is a growing field, this specific approach using a smartphone app for individuals with Down syndrome is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Chestnut Hill, United States
- Boston College — Chestnut Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Jaclyn Hennessey — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Ford, Jaclyn Hennessey
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 below.