A new brief cognitive assessment to improve dementia detection in older adults
Official title: 5-Cog Paradigm to Improve Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care: Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Run by Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NCT05515224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a quick new cognitive test to see if it can help doctors better identify dementia and mild cognitive impairment in older adults during routine check-ups.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 6600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Albert Einstein College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bloomington, Indiana and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 18, 2023 |
| Main results expected | November 2027 |
| Study ends | November 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05515224 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 65 and above who have cognitive concerns and can communicate in English or Spanish.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a prior diagnosis of dementia or those residing in permanent nursing facilities may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the 5-Cog brief cognitive assessment, designed to enhance the detection of cognitive impairment in older adults presenting with cognitive concerns in primary care settings. The 5-Cog assessment is standardized, takes less than five minutes to administer, and does not require informants, addressing various barriers to current assessments. The study employs a pragmatic cluster-randomized trial design across 22 primary care clinics, aiming to increase the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia among a diverse population of older adults. The trial builds on promising interim results that showed significant increases in new cognitive impairment diagnoses and improved dementia care actions by physicians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of cognitive impairment, improving patient care and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar cognitive assessment approaches, indicating potential for this method to be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 65 years and older 2. Presence of cognitive concerns 3. English or Spanish speaking. 4. Able to see and hear well enough to complete assessments. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Prior diagnosis of dementia (documented in the electronic medical record or reported by physicians). 2. Permanent nursing facility residents.
Where it's running
-
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana, United States Recruiting -
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
The Bronx, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joe Verghese, MD — Stony Brook University
- Study coordinator: Emmeline Ayers, MPH
- Email: emmeline.ayers@einsteinmed.edu
- Phone: 718-430-3835
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.