Using digital signals to detect Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Official title: Novel application of Digital signals of movement, sleep and heart rhythms for detection of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10880669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tracking your movement, sleep, and heart rhythms with wearable devices can help spot early signs of Alzheimer's and related memory issues, so we can find ways to help older adults before symptoms show up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $771,564 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG075883-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be experiencing cognitive impairment or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in movement, sleep, and heart rhythms can help detect Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) earlier. By utilizing wearable technology to collect data on physical activity and heart function, along with cognitive assessments and brain imaging, the study aims to identify patterns that may indicate cognitive decline before clinical symptoms appear. The approach is noninvasive and seeks to create scalable tools that can be used widely among older adults. The research will analyze data from over 1,000 participants to uncover connections between these digital signals and brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using digital signals for health monitoring, suggesting that this approach could be effective for detecting cognitive decline.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schrack, Jennifer Ann — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Schrack, Jennifer Ann
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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.