# Virtual Convoys: A Social VR Approach to Reducing ADRD risk among Older Adults Living Alone (NIA)

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $136,620

## Abstract

Project Summary
This K01 proposes interdisciplinary mentoring and targeted career development activities customized to
ensure my successful transition from conducting mentored, basic social science research to independent
research in the area of technological interventions research. Specifically,the candidate (Dr. Jess Francis)
proposes to conduct feasibility and acceptability studies for a virtual rality (VR) intervention to reduce the risk of
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) among older adults who live alone. The candidate’s future
career goal is to is to become an independent researcher conducting research in the areas of a) technological
interventions and b) improving cognitive health of older adults. Career Development/Training Aims: To
accomplish these goals the candidate needs training in: a) understanding the foundations and principles in VR
desigh; b) assessment in cognition and cognitive neuroscience; and c) design and implementation of VR-
based interventions.Training Environment: The candidate’s home base is in the world’s largest academically-
based social science institute. The resources available to the candidate at the Institute for Social Research as
well as the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research offer an environment of unparalleled research
support. Research Aims: Nearly one-third of older adults (age 65+) in the United States are aging alone. Those
who experience social isolation are significantly more likely to develop ADRD. VR is gaining recognition as a
means to promote cognitive health as well as a means to connect with our social network. There is a need to
understand the capabilities of VR to address cognitive health through the pathway of social connection among
older adult. Aim 1) Conduct a series of semi-structured interviews to understand the social convoys and
primary uses of technology for older adults living alone and identify perceptions and needs related to VR,
cognitive health, independent living. Aim 2) Conduct a series of feasibility and acceptability observational
studies using VR headset technology on social, physical, and cognitive outcomes. To achieve this aim we will
conduct a series of feasibility and acceptability of methods, protocol, and logistical issues related to social
head-mounted VR use to mitigate social isolation and promote cognitive health. Aim 3) Post-test semi-
structured interviews to promote co-creation of protocol and informational materials for the implementation of
Social VR technology for older adults’ cognitive health. Impact: The short tearm impact of this research will be
to collect feasibility and acceptability data to inform the submission of an NIH R21 to collect pilot data and
eventually an NIH R01 to test the efficacy and effectiveness of a social VR-based intervention to promote
cognitive health among older adults living alone. The long-term impact of this research will be to develop novel
and innovative interventions to reduce the incidence ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10886306
- **Project number:** 1K01AG083120-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Jessica Francis
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $136,620
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-05-15 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10886306

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10886306, Virtual Convoys: A Social VR Approach to Reducing ADRD risk among Older Adults Living Alone (NIA) (1K01AG083120-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10886306. Licensed CC0.

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