Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 80

Impact of long-term benzodiazepine use on cognitive function

Official title: Assessing the Cognitive Effects of Chronic Benzodiazepine Use in Patients: A Comprehensive Study Using fNIRs and PET/MRI Technologies

Run by The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University · NCT06250842 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see how long-term use of benzodiazepines affects thinking and brain health in people who have taken them for at least three months compared to those who haven't.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dalian, Liaoning)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 11, 2024
Main results expectedFebruary 20, 2027
Study endsJune 30, 2027
Registry record updatedApril 11, 2025
Trial IDNCT06250842 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals who have been using benzodiazepines continuously for three months or more.

Probably not a fit

Patients with brain damage, severe systemic diseases, or recent acute cerebrovascular events 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 how long-term use of benzodiazepines affects cognitive function and related neuroimaging markers. It compares brain activation, metabolism, and neuroinflammation between individuals who have used benzodiazepines for at least three months and those who have not. The study employs functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess cortical activation during cognitive tasks, alongside FDG-PET imaging to evaluate brain metabolism and neuroinflammation. By combining these methodologies, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive effects associated with benzodiazepine use.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help clarify the cognitive risks associated with long-term benzodiazepine use, potentially guiding safer prescribing practices.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on benzodiazepines and cognitive function, this comprehensive approach using fNIRS and PET imaging is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Continuous use of benzodiazepines for ≥3 months, matched with participants who have not taken benzodiazepines.
2. Education time ≥6 years.
3. Abstained from alcohol, coffee, and other psychoactive substances in the 24 hours before the examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Brain damage due to various reasons (such as head trauma, dementia, epilepsy, brain tumors, etc.).
2. Severe systemic diseases (such as malignant tumors, etc.).
3. Acute cerebrovascular disease in the past 3 months. History of substance abuse other than benzodiazepines (such as alcohol, opioids, etc.).
4. Inability to cooperate with fNIRS, PET/MRI examinations, and scale assessments.

Where it's running

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University
    Dalian, Liaoning, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Hui min Zhang — The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University
  • Study coordinator: Hui min Zhang
  • Email: huiminzhangxs@163.com
  • Phone: +86 18098876233

Similar studies

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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.
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.