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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Exploring moments of clarity in severe dementia patients

Official title: Paradoxical Lucidity in Severe End-Stage Dementia

Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT05234866 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to understand rare moments of clarity in people with severe dementia to see if there are patterns or signs in their brain activity that can help explain these episodes.

More Dementia trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment520 (estimated)
SponsorNYU Langone Health
Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 2, 2022
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2027
Study endsMay 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT05234866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with advanced dementia, specifically those diagnosed with a GDS score of 7 and accepted for hospice care.

Probably not a fit

Patients with cognitive impairment due to conditions other than dementia or those with less severe dementia (GDS score <7) 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 investigates episodes of paradoxical lucidity in patients with severe end-stage dementia. It aims to develop a definition and measurement scale for these episodes while identifying potential electro cortical biomarkers associated with them. The study will be conducted in two phases, starting with data collection through online surveys and focus groups, followed by assessments using symptom diaries and real-time video EEG monitoring. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms behind these transient moments of clarity.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into cognitive functions in severe dementia, potentially improving care strategies.

How similar studies have gone: While episodes of paradoxical lucidity have been reported anecdotally, this study represents a novel approach to systematically investigate this phenomenon.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years
* Advanced (severe) dementia diagnosed using the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) with a score of 7 or the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) with a score of less than 30%
* Accepted for hospice care based on the Medicare eligibility guidelines
* No longer being provided with nutrition or fluids
* Anuria (dry diaper) or less than 200cc urine (almost dry diaper) in any 24-hour period

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive or functional impairment due to a diagnosis other than dementia
* Dementia with a GDS score \<7 (mild, moderate, moderately severe dementia). Please refer to rationale outlined for inclusion criteria 2.

Where it's running

  • NYU Langone Health
    New York, New York, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.