Using smartwatches to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Digital phenotypes from a low-cost smartwatch to inform early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10995615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how affordable smartwatches can help keep track of daily habits and health signs in people aged 55 and older to spot early signs of Alzheimer's and related dementias, making it easier to catch changes in thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,812 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG089944-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 55 and older who have either healthy cognition or mild cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those under 55 years of age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low-cost smartwatches can be used to monitor daily behaviors and physiological metrics to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Participants aged 55 and older will wear a smartwatch continuously to collect data on sleep patterns, heart rate, and other metrics. The study aims to compare these smartwatch-derived metrics with traditional neuropsychological assessments to evaluate their effectiveness in detecting cognitive changes. By utilizing technology that is accessible and non-invasive, the research seeks to provide a more practical approach to early detection of dementia.
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 and better management of the condition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital phenotyping for monitoring cognitive health, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holmqvist, Sophia — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Holmqvist, Sophia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.