Projects

Active through BLEnded Digital Support for Mild Cognitive Impairment (ABLE-MCI)

Digital health applications are gaining increasing relevance, particularly for older adults with mild memory impairments. This study investigates the feasibility and real-world usability of a newly developed mobile health application in combination with a smartwatch. The primary objective is to examine how older adults engage with the application, to what extent prompts encouraging health-promoting activities (e.g., walking) are accepted, and how sensor-derived data, such as daily step counts, can be leveraged to personalize these prompts. The findings are intended to inform the further development and optimization of digital preventive interventions for individuals with memory deficits.

Related publication:

Brill et al. 2025 - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e66885

Lead:

Stefan Klöppel and Esther Brill

The DeKoMo project investigates how improved collaboration between home care services, nursing homes, and old age psychiatry, combined with setting-specific capacity building, can enable early detection and prevention of crisis situations in people with dementia. The project focuses on establishing a regional, cross-setting care network, complemented by staff training and the use of monitoring technologies (including point assessments and continuous sensing) to identify critical changes at an early stage.
The overarching aim is to reduce unnecessary transitions between care settings, strengthen care interfaces through standardized processes and knowledge exchange, and ultimately achieve cost reductions and shorter stays in old age psychiatry by 2028.

Website of the project:

https://www.dekomo.ch.

Lead:

Stefan Klöppel

This study focuses on the identification of early biological changes associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, we investigate which biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid can be detected years before the onset of potential memory impairments and may indicate subsequent cognitive decline.
Over a period of three years, participants undergo repeated assessments, including blood sampling, neuropsychological testing, and neuroimaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the collection of cerebrospinal fluid via lumbar puncture is offered optionally to enable further biomarker analyses.
The aim of the study is to improve the understanding of early biological markers and thereby contribute to the earlier detection and long-term prevention of dementia.

Lead:

Stefan Klöppel

GRACE is a voice-based digital assistant designed to support individuals with cognitive impairment in everyday activities, memory exercises, relaxation practices, and social interactions.
The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of individuals with cognitive impairment regarding the GRACE voice assistant. The findings will contribute to the further development of the system and its adaptation to the needs of the target population.
The study is conducted in collaboration with the Center for Digital Health Interventions (CDHI) at the University of Zurich.

Lead:

Stefan Klöppel