Using automated language analysis to understand Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia in Latino and English-speaking populations

An automated machine learning approach to language changes in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia across Latino and English-speaking populations

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10906838

This study is looking at how analyzing the way people talk can help spot Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia in both Latino and English-speaking individuals, and it aims to create tools that work well for different cultures and backgrounds.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906838 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how automated speech and language analysis can help identify Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia in Latino and English-speaking individuals. By analyzing natural speech patterns, the study aims to develop culturally valid diagnostic tools that can be used across different socio-biological profiles. Participants will produce speech samples that will be analyzed for acoustic and linguistic features, allowing researchers to detect signs of cognitive decline. The project will include a diverse group of participants to ensure the findings are applicable to various populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include Latino and English-speaking individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak either Spanish or English or who are not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accessible and accurate diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, particularly for Latino communities.

How similar studies have performed: While automated speech and language analysis has shown promise in other populations, this approach is relatively novel when applied specifically to Latino communities and differentiating between Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
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.