Using digital speech analysis to detect Alzheimer's disease early.
Official title: Connected Language and Speech Along the Spectrum of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Digital Assessment and Monitoring.
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11056790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how everyday speech can help spot early signs of Alzheimer's and related dementias, using recordings and smart technology, to make it easier for people, especially those from underserved communities, to get involved in research and understand how the disease progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $769,730 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082052-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already experiencing significant cognitive decline or have a confirmed diagnosis of advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by analyzing everyday speech patterns through digital recordings. By utilizing existing speech samples and advanced technology like natural language processing and machine learning, the study aims to create a non-invasive and accessible method for monitoring cognitive function. This approach seeks to enhance recruitment for clinical trials and provide valuable insights into the progression of Alzheimer's disease, particularly for individuals from underserved communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using digital speech analysis for cognitive assessment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mueller, Kimberly D — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Mueller, Kimberly D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Microvascular brain health and speech in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
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Everyday speech tests to detect and monitor Alzheimer’s and related dementias
This project uses short recorded speech on phones to look for early signs of Alzheimer’s and track language changes over time.
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Using speech patterns to find early signs of Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how changes in speech can help spot early signs of Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment, making it easier for older adults to get the help they need sooner.
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Using computer speech analysis to diagnose Alzheimer's and other neurocognitive disorders
This study is looking at how computer analysis of speech can help doctors spot early signs of memory problems like Alzheimer's, making it easier for them to help people who might be experiencing these issues.
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Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
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Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
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.