Using driving behaviors and physiological responses to identify cognitive decline and dementia

Identification of cognitive decline and dementia: Prediction by everyday driving behaviors and physiological responses

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10839919

This study is looking at how your driving habits and body responses can help spot early signs of memory problems or dementia in older adults, using real-life driving situations and technology to keep everyone informed about their brain health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10839919 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how everyday driving behaviors and physiological responses can help detect early signs of cognitive decline and dementia, particularly in older adults. By monitoring driving performance in real-world situations, fixed courses, and simulators, the study aims to identify changes that may indicate cognitive impairment. Advanced machine learning techniques will analyze driving data and physiological measures to predict clinical diagnoses, potentially alerting individuals and healthcare providers to early cognitive issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with high brain amyloid burden or those showing early signs of cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not older adults or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of cognitive decline, allowing for timely interventions and improved safety for older drivers.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using behavioral and physiological data for early detection of cognitive decline, suggesting this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.