Using radio sensors to detect breathing problems in nursing home patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Detecting respiratory distress in nursing home patients with advanced ADRD using radio sensors
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10810933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radio frequency sensors can help keep an eye on the breathing patterns of nursing home residents with advanced Alzheimer's and related dementias, so we can better predict when they might have trouble breathing and improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 27, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $451,721 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG081902-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are nursing home residents aged 21 and older who have advanced Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in nursing homes or those without Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of radio frequency sensors to monitor breathing patterns in nursing home patients suffering from advanced Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD). By capturing cardiopulmonary data, the study aims to develop a machine learning algorithm that can predict episodes of respiratory distress, which are common in this population. The research will also involve interviews with nursing home staff and patient representatives to understand the feasibility and acceptability of this technology in real-world settings. The goal is to improve patient care by enabling timely interventions for respiratory issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and management of respiratory distress, significantly improving the quality of life for patients with advanced ADRD.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of radio frequency sensors in healthcare is emerging, this specific application for detecting respiratory distress in ADRD patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
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Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phongtankuel, Veerawat — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Phongtankuel, Veerawat
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.