Genetic factors in early-onset dementia
Official title: Genetic Studies of Early-onset Dementia
Run by Columbia University · NCT04906863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to find out how genetics might affect the risk and progression of early-onset dementia by looking at people with dementia, their families, and healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 14, 2016 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04906863 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 and older diagnosed with early-onset dementia, their family members, and unrelated healthy controls without dementia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with competing diagnoses such as Huntington's disease, traumatic brain injury, or schizophrenia 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 identify genetic factors that contribute to the risk and progression of early-onset dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment. It involves individuals diagnosed with dementia, their family members, and cognitively healthy controls. Participants will undergo blood draws, neurocognitive testing, and complete medical questionnaires to gather comprehensive data across diverse ethnic groups. The study seeks to enhance understanding of the genetic underpinnings of early-onset dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding of genetic risks for early-onset dementia, potentially guiding prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in identifying genetic factors related to dementia, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * 35 years and older * Individuals experiencing memory concerns or diagnosed with dementia and their family members that are unrelated healthy controls without dementia. Exclusion Criteria: \- Individuals with competing diagnosis such as Huntington's disease, traumatic brain injury, drug or alcohol abuse, or schizophrenia, etc., unless family members of a dementia affected individual
Where it's running
-
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christiane Reitz, MD, PhD — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Pamela Del Rosario
- Email: pd2727@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212-304-7284
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Aging Brain Health Initiative in Fujian
This observational study will follow about 3,000 older adults in Fujian to see how Alzheimer's-related changes develop and to test new digital tests, biomarkers, and imaging tools for early diagnosis.
-
Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns
This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.
-
Predicting pre-dementia progression in APOE‑ε4 carriers
This project will try a combined genetic, blood, and wearable-monitoring model to see if it can predict which cognitively normal or very mildly impaired adults aged 55+ with an APOE‑ε4 gene will develop biomarker-confirmed MCI within 24 months.
-
Online positive psychology program to support thinking and brain health in early memory changes
This study will test whether an online positive psychology program can improve thinking, brain function, and wellbeing in older adults with early memory problems (Subjective Cognitive Decline or Mild Cognitive Impairment).
-
Rural Veterans and Care Partners Walking Program
A virtual walking program is tested to see if it can help Veterans with mild cognitive impairment and their care partners in rural areas walk more each day.
-
China HEAD: a large community study on healthy aging and dementia
This study tests whether collecting health, imaging, and biospecimen data from adults in China can help predict who will develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.