Evaluating speech patterns to understand Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Connected Language and Speech Along the Spectrum of ADRD: Digital Assessment and Monitoring
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06230783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 165 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 2029 |
| Study ends | February 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06230783 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promise in using speech analysis for cognitive assessment, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kimberly D Mueller, PhD, CCC-SLP — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Lizzy Sielaff
- Email: esielaff@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-264-1019
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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.