New EEG method for early dementia diagnosis

Developing a New EEG Method for the Early Diagnosis of Dementia. Using Novel EEG Analyses to Create a Diagnostic Test and Biomarker for Use With People With Dementia

Observational Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT02426398

This study is testing a new EEG method to see if it can help diagnose early Alzheimer's disease in people compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sheffield, S Yorks)
Trial IDNCT02426398 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the utility of electroencephalography (EEG) in diagnosing dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease. It will recruit 15 individuals with early Alzheimer's and 10 healthy controls from memory clinics in Sheffield. The study will utilize novel software to analyze EEG data and compare it with existing resting-state fMRI data to assess brain connectivity. Participants will have undergone comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and imaging to ensure accurate profiling.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a clinical diagnosis of possible or probable Alzheimer's disease who are not severely impaired.

Not a fit: Patients with significant vascular changes, severe dementia, or other neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of dementia, improving patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While EEG has been used in various studies, this specific approach combining EEG with fMRI for early dementia diagnosis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of possible or probable AD (according to revised diagnostic criteria (McKhann et al., 2011, Dubois et al., 2007)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant vascular change on neuro-imaging (Fazekas grading of white matter change \>2) (Fazekas et al., 2002).
* Clinical history of stroke, Parkinsonism, epilepsy or other neurological disorder. (e.g. severe auditory, visual, language or motor impairment)
* Moderate to severe dementia (defined by research team but we wouldn't expect those with a mini mental state exam \[MMSE\] ≤ 18 to be able to participate)
* Severe current mental health disorder (depression, psychosis).
* Patients on sedating or antiepileptic medication

Where this trial is running

Sheffield, S Yorks

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DementiaEEG
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.