Using brain activity to predict dementia in older adults
Official title: Prediction of dementia in older adults using nonlinear EEG features
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10807562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity can help us spot early signs of dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so we can help people sooner, and it's based on data from over 8,000 older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,730 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG083234-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10807562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for dementia, including those with a family history or early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced dementia or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain activity, measured through electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, can help predict the risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing complex EEG patterns using advanced artificial intelligence techniques, the study aims to identify specific biomarkers that indicate cognitive decline before clinical symptoms appear. The research utilizes existing data from over 8,000 older adults to develop and validate these predictive models, which could lead to earlier interventions for those at risk. Participants may contribute to understanding how physiological changes can signal the onset of dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier detection and intervention for individuals at risk of dementia, potentially delaying or preventing its onset.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using EEG and AI techniques for predicting cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haghayegh, Shahab — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Haghayegh, Shahab
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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.