Using voice assistants to help older adults with cognitive stimulation therapy
Official title: Voice Assistant to Provide Cognitive Stimulation Therapy at Scale
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10807347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how voice assistants, like Alexa or Google Home, can help older adults with dementia enjoy cognitive stimulation therapy at home, making it easier and more fun for them to stay mentally active while also helping their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $432,198 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085439-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10807347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are living with dementia, particularly those who may have limited access to traditional therapy options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to voice assistant technology or those who are not living with dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how voice assistants can be utilized to deliver cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) to older adults living with dementia. CST is a proven method for enhancing cognitive function and wellbeing, but traditional delivery methods are often costly and not scalable. By leveraging voice assistants, which are increasingly popular among older adults, the research aims to create an accessible and engaging platform for delivering CST at home. This approach seeks to reduce the burden on caregivers while improving adherence and engagement with the therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a scalable and effective way for older adults with dementia to receive cognitive stimulation therapy, potentially improving their cognitive health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology for cognitive interventions, but this specific approach utilizing voice assistants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdullah, Saeed — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Abdullah, Saeed
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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.