Using digital tools to identify social isolation and loneliness in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Digital detection of social isolation and loneliness markers of risk for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10521991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely or isolated might affect memory and thinking skills in older adults, and it uses smartphones to track social interactions in real-time to help find new ways to keep your brain healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $2,192,996 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG075889-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10521991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness and are at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not exhibit signs of social isolation or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. By utilizing advanced digital technology, including smartphone surveys and passive social sensing, the study aims to gather real-time data on social behaviors and interactions. This approach seeks to provide a more accurate understanding of social disconnection and its impact on cognitive health, potentially identifying new treatment targets to reduce risk. Participants will engage in daily assessments that capture their social experiences, offering insights that traditional methods may miss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for identifying and mitigating the risk of Alzheimer's disease through enhanced understanding of social factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital tools for health monitoring, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into social factors affecting cognitive health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Granholm, Eric L — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Granholm, Eric L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using smartphones to spot isolation and loneliness linked to Alzheimer’s risk
This project uses brief smartphone surveys and passive phone sensors to find patterns of loneliness and social isolation that may signal higher Alzheimer's risk in older adults with normal thinking.
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Exploring loneliness and social isolation in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease.
This study looks at how feeling lonely or being socially isolated affects the health and happiness of older adults, especially those nearing the end of life, including those with Alzheimer's and related conditions, to help improve their overall well-being.
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How loneliness and social isolation affect brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how feeling lonely and being socially isolated can affect memory and thinking as we age, especially in older adults, and it aims to find ways to help people connect with others to improve their overall well-being and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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Pandemic isolation and memory in older Veterans with and without Alzheimer's
This project looks at how COVID-19 social isolation affected thinking and memory in older Veterans with and without Alzheimer's disease.
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Investigating how air quality and living conditions affect social isolation and cognitive function in rural communities at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
This study is looking at how air quality and the places we live can affect feelings of loneliness and memory problems in older adults in rural Florida who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and it involves tracking daily activities and social interactions over five years.
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How loneliness affects brain aging and Alzheimer's disease risk
This study is looking at how feeling lonely might affect the brains of older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find clues that could help us understand and predict changes in brain health.
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.