Using eye-tracking to improve early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Multimodal Deep Learning to Assess Cognitive Processes and a Validation of a Visuospatial Memory Eye-Tracking Test in Diverse Populations
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11170825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new eye-tracking test called VisMET to see if it can help spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease in older adults, whether they have memory issues or not, and aims to make diagnosing the condition easier for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $786,440 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG083845-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those who may be experiencing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new digital test called the Visuospatial Memory Eye-Tracking Test (VisMET) that aims to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by monitoring eye movements. The study will evaluate how well VisMET can identify subtle memory impairments in older adults, regardless of their race, sex, or education level. Participants will include older adults with and without cognitive impairment, and the findings could lead to more equitable and accessible methods for diagnosing AD. The research will be conducted at Emory University and will involve collaboration with a diverse national cohort.
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: Previous research has shown promise in using digital biomarkers for detecting cognitive decline, making this approach a potentially valuable advancement in Alzheimer's detection.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clifford, Gari David — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Clifford, Gari David
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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.