NCT07120347 · University of Missouri-Columbia
Remote Sensing for ADRD-Specific Activities Identification in Older Adults
What this study is about
The investigators aim to use smart-home sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and detect Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)-specific daily activities among older adults, with the goal of early symptom detection and personalized support. Dementia, which impacts memory and cognition, remains a global concern. In the United States, more than 6.
View original scientific description
The investigators aim to use smart-home sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and detect Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)-specific daily activities among older adults, with the goal of early symptom detection and personalized support. Dementia, which impacts memory and cognition, remains a global concern. In the United States, more than 6.7 million individuals aged 65 and older are living with ADRD, and projected annual healthcare costs are expected to reach $1 trillion by 2050. This underscores the need for deeper understanding and innovative support. To address the unique challenges associated with ADRD, such as cognitive decline, personalized strategies that promote independent well-being are essential. Smart-home sensors can support older adults with ADRD as they continue to live in their homes. These sensors provide real-time data on health and daily activities, offering insights into their daily lives. However, adoption of these technologies is low, and the practical application of AI remains limited. This highlights the need for further research to make these devices more accessible to this population. The investigators' aims include: Conducting focus groups with individuals with and without ADRD and their caregivers to identify daily activities that can be measured using in-home sensors; Collecting in-home sensor data from older adults with and without ADRD; and Using AI to develop a tool for recognizing daily activities. The integration of smart-home sensors with advanced data-analysis techniques holds significant potential for transforming the support and care provided to individuals with ADRD. Ultimately, the investigators' findings will contribute to improving the quality of life for affected individuals and alleviating the burden on caregivers and healthcare systems.
Interventions
OTHER
Remote Ambient Sensor System
Remote sensors (motion, door contact) deployed in participants' home connected through raspberry pi and mobile hotspot
Primary outcome measures
Classification accuracy of ambient sensor-based daily activity models
Time frame: Weeks 1-4 after enrollment
Percent of daily activity labels correctly predicted by SVM, XGBoost, LSTM and Transformer models, trained and tested on ambient motion and environmental sensor data collected during weeks 1-4 from participants with and without early-stage ADRD.
F1 score of ambient sensor-based daily activity models
Time frame: Weeks 1-4 after enrollment
Harmonic mean of precision and recall for SVM, XGBoost, LSTM and Transformer models, evaluated on held-out portions of the week 1-4 ambient sensor data.
Area under the ROC curve of ambient sensor-based daily activity models
Time frame: Weeks 1-4 after enrollment
AUC of ROC curves for SVM, XGBoost, LSTM and Transformer models distinguishing among daily activity classes, based on training and testing using weeks 1-4 ambient sensor readings.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Community-dwelling, English-speaking adults aged ≥ 50 years
- Clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia (ADRD)
- Diagnosis established by a neuropsychologist, neurologist, or geriatrician within the University of Missouri Healthcare System
- Diagnosis confirmed using the latest consensus criteria and verified through record review
- No restriction on the etiology of the cognitive disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, mixed dementia)
Exclusion criteria
- Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score \> 1 (moderate or severe dementia)
- Cognitive or functional impairments that would preclude meaningful participation in daily activities
Where
- Columbia, Missouri
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 13, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations