Using AI to assess social interaction and depression in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Artificial Intelligence Applied to Video and Speech for Objectively Evaluating Social Interaction and Depression in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10810965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $430,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021029-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those experiencing changes in social engagement or feelings of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have mild cognitive impairment or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clifford, Gari David — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Clifford, Gari David
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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.