Measuring brain activity in mood disorders and mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Identifying Cerebral Hemodynamic Patterns in Mood Disorders and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Study
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT06897670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing brain activity in people with mood disorders and mild cognitive impairment to see how it relates to their symptoms using a safe and noninvasive method.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06897670 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or mild cognitive impairment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute psychiatric or cognitive episodes requiring immediate intervention 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 research aims to assess brain activity in individuals diagnosed with mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment, using a noninvasive technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The study will compare cerebral hemodynamic patterns across these groups and investigate how these patterns correlate with the severity of their symptoms. Additionally, it will analyze autonomic nervous system activity through electrophysiological data, including photoplethysmography and electrocardiogram readings, to provide a comprehensive understanding of brain function in these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for patients with mood disorders and mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using fNIRS have shown promise in understanding brain function in mood disorders, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria General Inclusion Criteria (across all diagnostic groups): * 18 years and older * Ability to provide written informed consent * Adequate cognitive and language abilities to understand and complete study tasks, including clinical assessments and fNIRS procedures * Confirmed clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) * Stable psychiatric or cognitive condition, without acute episodes requiring immediate intervention Specific Inclusion Criteria (for diagnostic groups): * Healthy control o No past or current psychiatric or cognitive disorder * Major depressive disorder (MDD): * Diagnosis of major depressive disorder, confirmed through clinical evaluation. * No history of bipolar disorder or psychotic symptoms. * Bipolar disorder: o Diagnosis of bipolar disorder I or II, confirmed through clinical evaluation. * Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): * Pre-existing clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, supported by neuropsychological testing and/or MRI, PET scan data. * No history of major psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Exclusion Criteria General Exclusion Criteria (across all diagnostic groups): * Active primary psychotic or substance use disorders (except nicotine dependence) within the past year * Any severe or unstable medical condition that could interfere with participation or data collection * Any active neurological condition (including seizure disorder, traumatic brain injury, stroke) that could affect cognitive functioning or brain imaging results * Inability to comply with study procedures, including cognitive testing, fNIRS assessment, or other assessments required by the protocol * Pregnant women will be excluded due to potential physiological changes that could affect study outcomes Specific Exclusion Criteria (for diagnostic groups): * Healthy control o Any past or current psychiatric or cognitive disorder * Major depressive disorder (MDD): * Diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. * Brain stimulation therapy within the past 3 months. * Bipolar disorder: o Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. * Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): * Diagnosis of dementia. * Significant cognitive impairment preventing understanding or completion of study tasks.
Where it's running
-
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria I. Lapid, M.D. — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Sarah M. Williams
- Email: Williams.Sarah2@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-422-2972
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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.