Using a blood test to detect Alzheimer's in hospitalized older adults with sudden confusion
Official title: Clinical Trial Protocol: Alzheimer's Dementia Underlying Encephalopathy
Run by Covenant Health, US · NCT07222280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether the Quest AD-Detect blood test can identify underlying Alzheimer's disease in hospitalized patients aged 60–90 who have new confusion, delirium, or encephalopathy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Covenant Health, US Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Crossville, Tennessee and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07222280 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 to 90 who are currently hospitalized with new-onset cognitive impairment (for example delirium or encephalopathy) and have no prior diagnosis of dementia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 60 or those with a prior diagnosis of a dementing illness or clear alternative organic cause of cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit from this test in this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Hospitalized patients aged 60–90 with an acute cognitive diagnosis such as delirium or encephalopathy will receive the Quest AD-Detect blood test while inpatient. The test result will be used as a risk assessment for underlying Alzheimer's disease to see if it speeds recognition of AD compared with usual care. Neurology providers will perform a 6-month post-hospitalization follow-up to review results and clinical risk. The trial focuses on distinguishing AD-related pathology from other toxic or metabolic causes of cognitive impairment in the inpatient setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier identification of Alzheimer's disease in patients hospitalized with sudden cognitive problems, enabling earlier planning and care decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Similar plasma-based biomarker tests for Alzheimer's pathology have shown promise in outpatient settings, but using a blood-based AD test during acute hospitalization is less well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 60 to 90 years old * No prior diagnosis of dementia * Currently hospitalized with cognitive diagnosis, including but no limited to; delirium, encephalopathy, etc. thought to be secondary to a toxic/metabolic state Exclusion Criteria: * Age under 60 years * Prior diagnosis of dementing illness or other organic etiology to cognitive impairment
Where it's running
-
Cumberland Medical Center
Crossville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Roane Medical Center
Harriman, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Fort Loudon Medical Center
Lenoir City, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Methodist Medical Center
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
LeConte Medical Center
Sevierville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Samuel Moore, MD — Covenant Health, Canada
- Study coordinator: Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator
- Email: aholt10@covhlth.com
- Phone: 865-331-1337
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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.