New EEG method for early dementia diagnosis
Official title: 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
Run by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT02426398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sheffield, S Yorks) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 19, 2014 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02426398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals with a clinical diagnosis of possible or probable Alzheimer's disease who are not severely impaired.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant vascular changes, severe dementia, or other neurological disorders 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 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.
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 gone: While EEG has been used in various studies, this specific approach combining EEG with fMRI for early dementia diagnosis is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Sheffield, S Yorks, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Blackburn, MBChB, PhD — Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Study coordinator: Daniel Blackburn, MBChB, PhD
- Email: d.blackburn@shef.ac.uk
- Phone: 01142222267
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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.