Using smartphones to spot isolation and loneliness linked to Alzheimer’s risk
Digital detection of social isolation and loneliness markers of risk for Alzheimer's disease
This project uses brief smartphone surveys and passive phone sensors to find patterns of loneliness and social isolation that may signal higher Alzheimer's risk in older adults with normal thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would answer short surveys on your phone several times a day and allow the phone to passively record things like location and social interaction patterns. The team combines these momentary reports with mobile cognitive tests and sensor data to create a detailed picture of daily social behavior. Researchers aim to identify specific social thinking patterns (like apathy or feeling threatened) that relate to future Alzheimer’s risk. The goal is to find reliable digital signs that could lead to new ways to reduce risk through social or behavioral treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults who currently have normal cognition, may experience loneliness or limited social contact, own and can use a smartphone, and are willing to do brief daily surveys and allow passive sensing.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, those unable to use or carry a smartphone, or those who cannot consent to regular mobile monitoring are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help flag older adults at higher Alzheimer's risk earlier and point to social-behavior targets for interventions to lower that risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies using smartphone surveys and passive sensing have shown promise for tracking social behavior and mood, but applying these tools specifically to predict Alzheimer's risk is a newer and still-emerging area.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Granholm, Eric L — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Granholm, Eric L
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.