Using blood tests and voice analysis to help diagnose dementia
A Blood Test for Dementia? A Cohort Study to Assess the Diagnostic Utility of Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Protein in All-cause Dementia
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Monash University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Box Hill, Victoria and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06339190 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals presenting with cognitive complaints or potential neurodegenerative disorders within the Eastern Health services network.
Not a fit: Patients with a prognosis of less than 12 months or those without cognitive complaints will not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While there have been studies exploring blood biomarkers for dementia, this approach combining blood tests and voice analysis is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Box Hill, Victoria and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.