# Using gamification, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and Alexa Voice to optimize user experience for individuals living with AD/ADRD and their caregivers

> **NIH NIH R44** · MAPHABIT, INC. · 2022 · $1,256,442

## Abstract

More than 5.8 million Americans live with dementia and one in 10 Americans over the age of 65 suffer from a diagnosis
of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s related dementias (AD/ADRD). There are no cures for AD and drug treatments
have little overall impact on the course and symptoms of disease. There are no diagnostic tools that can reliably identify
people in the early stages of the disease. Individuals living with AD/ADRD have the same quality of life needs as
individuals without dementia, including the ability to successful complete routine activities of daily living and maintain
satisfying levels of independence and autonomy. However, in the setting of progressively diminishing memory and
worsening abilities for self-care, individuals living with AD/ADRD experience progressive losses in independent decision-
making capacity and quality of life. Social isolation and anxiety are disabling consequences of this condition. The
MapHabitTM system (MHS), is an award-winning (NIH/NIA 1st place Eureka Award) patented, neuroscience-based
assistive technology app that helps the memory-impaired accomplish activities of daily living, maintain their
independence, and improves overall quality of life for users. The MHS product leverages the science of visual mapping to
cue appropriate behavior in the AD setting. In this SBIR Phase II application, MapHabit will further develop the utility and
effectiveness of the MHS visual mapping technology to enhance its commercialization and marketing potential by
increasing its “stickiness” (i.e., motivation to engage with the app) and to establish a more substantive evidence base for
its effects on improved quality of life and daily functioning. We propose two specific aims: Aim 1 – MapHabit will
optimize the user experience for individuals with AD/ADRD by supplementing its visual mapping software with
gamification technology via a partnership with a virtual reality and in-app games company that serves healthcare needs.
Social networking (via gaming with friends and other residents) will be developed to build social connectivity and
increase competition, both of which are known to increase “stickiness” and keep users engaged and motivated to
adhere to behavioral interventions such as ADLs. We will conduct a 6-month clinical trial to assess behavioral outcomes.
Aim 2 – MapHabit will develop a predictive analytics framework using the biometric and behavioral data streams from
individuals as they use visual maps to carry out their ADLs. Partnering with a healthcare artificial intelligence company,
we will conduct an observational cohort study to collect and integrate 16 months of data streams from 15 dyads from
multiple data sources, including gamification and social networking using the MHS, standardized neuropsychological
assessments of the patients, and assessments from caregivers. These novel data will be used to explore new predictive
models that will potentially indicate early warnings of oncoming cognitive decline...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10468936
- **Project number:** 5R44AG065081-04
- **Recipient organization:** MAPHABIT, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Matthew Golden
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $1,256,442
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10468936

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10468936, Using gamification, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and Alexa Voice to optimize user experience for individuals living with AD/ADRD and their caregivers (5R44AG065081-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10468936. Licensed CC0.

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