Using mobile health technology to monitor health in older adults
Monitoring Health in Older Adults Using mHealth Technology: Framingham Offspring Study
This study is creating a smartphone app to help older adults keep track of their health at home, including things like memory and physical abilities, to better understand aging and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078310 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on engaging older adults in health monitoring through mobile health (mHealth) technology. It aims to develop a smartphone app that allows for in-home monitoring of health metrics, including cognitive function, physical performance, and health events like falls or hospitalizations. By collecting data more frequently and in real-life settings, the study seeks to improve understanding of aging and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Participants will use the app to report their health outcomes, which will be correlated with more traditional neuropsychological testing and brain imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are interested in using technology to manage their health.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or those who are not comfortable using mobile technology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults with a convenient way to monitor their health and potentially identify risks for cognitive decline earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using mHealth technologies for health monitoring in middle-aged adults, indicating potential for similar success in older populations.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murabito, Joanne M — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Murabito, Joanne M
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 below.