Evaluating speech patterns to understand Alzheimer's disease

Connected Language and Speech Along the Spectrum of ADRD: Digital Assessment and Monitoring

University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06230783

This study is testing if changes in how people speak can help spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease in those at higher risk.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment165 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison (other)
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT06230783 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to validate changes in speech as a measure of cognition in individuals at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Participants will use an iPad to record their speech and complete surveys at home over a period of three years. The study leverages digital technology to gather information on early cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, focusing on noninvasive and accessible assessment methods. Researchers will analyze speech metrics to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of cognitive assessments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40-80 who are enrolled in the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center or the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention and are either cognitively unimpaired or diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with a diagnosis of dementia or major neurological conditions, as well as those with speech disorders, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, low-burden method for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using speech analysis for cognitive assessment, indicating that this approach may be viable.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Must be enrolled in the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (W-ADRC) Clinical Core or IMPACT studies, or in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP)
* Cognitively unimpaired or have a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
* Ages 40-80 years
* Completion of a W-ADRC or WRAP study visit within the past or upcoming 12 months
* Have provided W-ADRC or WRAP with blood plasma Alzheimer's Disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not actively enrolled in W-ADRC or WRAP
* Diagnosis of dementia
* Impaired capacity or unwilling to consent
* Major neurological conditions
* Speech disorders

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention

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.