Using smartphone apps to track personal memories and thoughts related to Alzheimer's disease

Tracking autobiographical thoughts: a smartphone-based approach to identifying cognitive correlates of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and risk factors in clinically normal older adults

NIH-funded research University of Arizona · NIH-10813771

This study is looking at how changes in your memories and thoughts might be early signs of Alzheimer's disease in older adults, using smartphone apps to track these changes in real-time and see how they relate to biological markers of the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-10813771 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how changes in personal memories and thoughts may indicate early signs of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. By utilizing smartphone applications, the study aims to monitor autobiographical thoughts in real-time, linking these cognitive markers to biological indicators of Alzheimer's. The research involves two main studies that will assess how well these thoughts correlate with known Alzheimer's biomarkers and explore their potential for predicting cognitive decline. The interdisciplinary team combines expertise in cognitive assessment, brain imaging, and aging research to ensure a comprehensive approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are clinically normal older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease due to age or other factors.

Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or exhibit significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions and better management of the condition.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using cognitive assessments to detect early signs of Alzheimer's, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.