Developing a quick memory test for monkeys to understand early signs of Alzheimer's disease

Creation of a monkey mini mental state exam (mMMSE) for identifying early cognitive deficits related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11343007

This project creates a fast and easy memory test for monkeys to help us better understand and predict early memory changes linked to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11343007 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Aging affects everyone differently, with some people maintaining sharp memory and good health, while others experience significant declines, including conditions like Alzheimer's disease. To help predict who might be vulnerable to these memory changes, scientists are developing a new, quick screening tool. This tool, inspired by a popular human memory test, will be used in monkeys to efficiently identify early cognitive changes. The goal is to speed up research into the causes of memory loss and find new ways to help people facing these challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research aims to benefit individuals at risk for or experiencing early cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing or at risk for cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to faster identification of early Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, potentially allowing for earlier interventions and more effective treatments for patients.

How similar studies have performed: The project is inspired by the success of the human Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), a widely used screening tool for cognitive health.

Where this research is happening

DAVIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.