Using blood tests and voice analysis to help diagnose dementia
Official title: A Blood Test for Dementia? A Cohort Study to Assess the Diagnostic Utility of Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Protein in All-cause Dementia
Run by Monash University · NCT06339190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a blood test and voice analysis can help doctors diagnose dementia earlier in people who have memory concerns.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Monash University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Box Hill, Victoria and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2021 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06339190 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals presenting with cognitive complaints or potential neurodegenerative disorders within the Eastern Health services network.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a prognosis of less than 12 months or those without cognitive complaints will 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 cohort study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a blood test measuring neurofilament light chain levels and voice acoustic analysis in diagnosing dementia among individuals presenting with cognitive complaints. Participants will undergo a blood draw and speech assessment, with follow-up evaluations at 12 months to complete questionnaires and cognitive scales. The study also includes optional genetic testing for those at risk of fronto-temporal dementia, utilizing a simple saliva sample. The goal is to address the lack of standardized diagnostic tests for dementia and improve early detection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses of dementia, reducing patient and caregiver stress.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies exploring blood biomarkers for dementia, this approach combining blood tests and voice analysis is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All patients presenting to Eastern Health services with a cognitive complaint or potential neurodegenerative disorder Exclusion Criteria: * Prognosis \<12 months * No cognitive complaint * Patients not involved within the single healthcare network
Where it's running
-
Box Hill Hospital
Box Hill, Victoria, Australia Recruiting -
Wantirna Health
Wantirna, Victoria, Australia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Prof. Amy Brodtmann, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, FANZAN — Monash University
- Study coordinator: Prof. Amy Brodtmann, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, FANZAN
- Email: amy.brodtmann@monash.edu
- Phone: 03 9094 9540
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Hyperspectral retinal imaging to detect Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative changes
This project will test whether a special retinal camera that scans many wavelengths of light can detect signs of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in people with dementia or at risk.
-
Collecting data on neurodegenerative diseases progression markers
This study is trying to find new signs that can help doctors understand how neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's progress, so they can improve early treatment options for patients.
-
Evaluating a new treatment for cognitive function in mild Alzheimer's dementia
This study is testing a new treatment that combines brain stimulation and cognitive training to see if it can help people with mild Alzheimer's dementia improve their thinking skills.
-
Effects of speech-language intervention on bilingual speakers with primary progressive aphasia
This study tests if special speech therapy designed for bilingual people can help those with primary progressive aphasia communicate better in both of their languages.
-
Cohort study on Alzheimer's risk in first-degree relatives
This study looks at how likely first-degree relatives of Alzheimer's patients are to develop the disease themselves and what factors might affect that risk.
-
Using a passive home sensor to find digital signs of brain energy changes from nicotinamide riboside
This project will try a contact-free home sensor to see if it can detect activity, sleep, and breathing changes related to nicotinamide riboside in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's.
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.