Validating remote digital assessments for familial frontotemporal dementia

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11212188

This study is testing a smartphone app that helps people with familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) check their thinking and movement skills from home, making it easier for more people to join in and track how the condition changes over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11212188 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to improve the detection and monitoring of familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) using a smartphone application that allows for remote assessments of cognitive and motor functions. By recruiting participants from a wide geographic area, the study seeks to overcome barriers to in-person clinical trials, enabling more inclusive participation. The project will validate these digital assessments to ensure they are effective in tracking disease progression and response to potential treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of frontotemporal dementia or those who are genetically predisposed to the condition.

Not a fit: Patients without a familial link to frontotemporal dementia or those who do not exhibit early symptoms of the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and accessible methods for diagnosing and monitoring familial frontotemporal dementia, ultimately improving patient care.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using digital tools for monitoring neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.