Using light to study brain function in dementia

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 explore the neurovascular and neurometabolic changes associated with dementia using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), a non-invasive imaging technique. It will involve 200 participants, including patients with Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and healthy controls. Participants will undergo cognitive testing and NIRS scans to assess brain oxygenation and metabolism. The study is conducted by the University of Cambridge and aims to improve understanding of dementia's impact on brain function.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. A diagnosis of probable:

   * Lewy Body Dementia
   * Alzheimer's Disease
   * Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI-LB or MCI-AD) OR
2. Cognitively normal for their education and age, with a MMSE score above 26 AND

   * A good grasp of the English language
   * An informant (either a carer or family member) who will be available throughout testing (only relevant if in a patient group)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe dementia

   * Unable to participate
   * A MMSE score below 12
2. A condition which influences metabolism or haemodynamics

   * Such as metabolic or respiratory disorders
3. A significant mental illness

   * Such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus
   * Oral steroid use
4. A significant psychiatric disorder
5. MCI due to other causes such as traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia, or fronto-temporal dementia
6. A history of excessive drug or alcohol use
7. Contraindications to MRI (only for patient groups undertaking the MRI scan: AD/MCI/DLB)

   * Surgical implants e.g. pacemakers
   * Obesity

Where it's running

• Univeristy of Cambridge
  Cambridge, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gemma Bale, PhD — University of Cambridge
• Study coordinator: Emilia Butters, MSc
• Email: eb857@cam.ac.uk
• Phone: 07462064164

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Predicting disease progression in dementia using biomarkers and modeling

  This study is trying to create a tool that helps predict how dementia will progress in people with mild cognitive impairment and different types of dementia, like Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Disease, by looking at brain scans, body fluids, and mental tests.

  Recruiting University Health Network, Toronto · North York, Ontario and 3 other locations · NCT06529744

• Improving cognitive outcomes in patients with sleep apnea using home testing

  This study is trying to see if home testing for sleep apnea can help diagnose the condition better in people with cognitive issues like Alzheimer's, making it easier for them to get the treatment they need.

  Recruiting Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · Toronto, Ontario · NCT04335994

• Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns

  This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.

  Recruiting University of Cambridge · Cambridge, CB2 · NCT07786116

• Blood tests using plasma biomarkers to diagnose and track Alzheimer’s disease

  A large, year-long study in Milan is testing whether blood markers can help diagnose Alzheimer’s and predict how it will progress in people with memory concerns.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Raffaele · Milan, Milano · NCT07717567

• Music for Pain and Dementia: Group Drumming for people with early dementia and their caregivers

  This study tests whether group drumming can reduce pain and change brain activity in people with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment and in their caregivers.

  Recruiting Yale University · New Haven, Connecticut · NCT07602283

• Fast-track screening to determine eligibility for anti-amyloid treatment using digital cognitive tests and blood biomarkers.

  This project will test whether combining self‑administered digital cognitive tests with blood biomarker results can quickly identify patients referred for memory concerns who may qualify for anti‑amyloid disease‑modifying therapy.

  Recruiting MoCA Clinic and Institute · Greenfield Park, Quebec · NCT07041450

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.