Using AI to assess social interaction and depression in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Artificial Intelligence Applied to Video and Speech for Objectively Evaluating Social Interaction and Depression in Mild Cognitive Impairment

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-10810965

This study is looking at how smart technology can help understand social interactions and mental health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment by watching videos and listening to conversations, so we can better track changes in their social life and feelings over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10810965 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how artificial intelligence can be used to analyze video and speech to evaluate social interactions and mental health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). By continuously monitoring these individuals in real-world settings, the study aims to capture subtle changes in their social engagement and feelings of depression. Participants will be recruited from diverse backgrounds in urban Atlanta, GA, and their interactions will be assessed at the Cognitive Empowerment Program. The goal is to develop a method for objectively quantifying the progression of MCI over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those experiencing changes in social engagement or feelings of depression.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mild cognitive impairment or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for monitoring and understanding the mental health of older adults with MCI, potentially guiding interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While the application of AI in assessing social interaction is emerging, this specific approach targeting MCI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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 dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.