Clinical Research Directory

Effect of a Probiotic Formula in Mild Cognitive Impairement

Mild cognitive impairment is currently one of the most relevant social challenges, as its prevalence is expected to increase and it is associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. Therefore, it is necessary to seek strategies that can be applied in the early stages to delay or reverse the progression of the disease. In this context, probiotics have emerged as a promising alternative for managing cognitive disorders. This project is a clinical-nutritional trial to evaluate the utility of consuming a dietary supplement containing probiotics on the cognitive function of individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study will involve 100 participants, selected from the Geriatrics Unit of San Carlos Clinical Hospital, as well as through various Leisure Centers in Madrid, randomly assigned to two groups of 50 individuals each (Experimental Group and Control Group). Participants assigned to the experimental group will consume the dietary supplement, while those in the control group will receive a placebo, which is a product without probiotics. Both groups will take 1 capsule per day of the assigned product at breakfast for 16 weeks. During this time, changes will be analyzed in various imaging tests, cognitive tests, and some blood parameters related to cognitive function. Changes in gut microbiota and different lifestyle factors (diet, body composition, physical activity, sleep) will also be evaluated.

Non-pharmacological Interventions for People With Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Community

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may increase the risk of dementia. This study will evaluate an 8-week community-family mutual support intervention for adults aged 60 years or older with MCI. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The control group will receive routine community care, while the intervention group will additionally receive cognitive training, health education, family support, mutual support activities, and individualized feedback. Cognitive function, daily functioning, emotional status, and social support will be assessed before and after the intervention.

InRAD Observational Study

The goal of this international observational study is to evaluate long-term disease outcomes and treatment safety in people with Alzheimer's disease (PwAD), by collecting real-world data from routine clinical practice across global clinical centers. The InRAD Registry Observational Study has several aims: * To collect medical information for many years from a large group of people with Alzheimer's disease. This will be used for research, which will support improved understanding about the disease. * To enable researchers to look at the effectiveness, usefulness and safety of treatments for Alzheimer's disease. * To enable researchers to answer similar research questions and compare results in many different areas of the world. People with Alzheimer's disease who meet the eligibility criteria and agree to participate in the Study will be asked to visit their doctor (e.g. psychiatrist, geriatrician, or neurologist) at least once a year, or as frequently as is needed for their care. During or after their appointments they may be offered assessments, tests, medications, and treatments as determined by their doctor and their team. This is an observational data collection.

Enhancing Attention in Elderly Using a Brain-Computer-Interface

Cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to maintain cognitive performance despite age-related changes or neuropathology. Enhancing cognitive reserve is thought to delay cognitive decline and improve functional outcomes in aging and neurodegenerative conditions. Attention and memory-related neural processes are considered key contributors to cognitive reserve, yet it remains unclear whether these neural markers can be deliberately strengthened through targeted training and non-invasive interventions. The goal of this clinical study is to investigate whether mindfulness-based meditation and non-invasive brain stimulation can enhance neural markers of attention and memory that serve as proxies for cognitive reserve in cognitively healthy adults and older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Investigators hypothesize that strengthening these neural markers will lead to measurable improvements in cognitive reserve-related functions in both healthy aging and MCI populations. This study further hypothesizes that neural markers of attention can be selectively enhanced using an electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) combined with non-invasive interventions such as mindfulness-based relaxation or neuromodulation. During the study, participants will perform a computerized memory task while their EEG signals are recorded in real time. A BCI will analyze these signals to decode the presence or absence of the P300 event-related potential, a well-established neural marker of attentional control and cognitive resource allocation. Real-time feedback and intervention will be used to modulate these neural processes with the goal of promoting adaptive changes in attention-related brain activity. By integrating EEG-based decoding, behavioral training, and non-invasive interventions, this study aims to determine whether targeted modulation of attention-related neural activity can support cognitive reserve in aging and mild cognitive impairment.

Mild Cognitive Impairment and Neuromodulation

This is a parallel, sham-controlled design of low-intensity focused ultrasound in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study will evaluate safety, tolerability, and effects on cognitive function.

Effects of Hydroxytyrosol-Rich Olive Polyphenol Dietary Supplement Combined With Mediterranean Diet Adherence on the Cognitive Health of Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Nutrition is an important modifiable risk factor of human cognitive health. Increasing data suggests that certain nutrients or food ingredients, such as plant polyphenols, have the potential to benefit cognitive abilities even in later life. In terms of polyphenols, Hydroxytyrosol (HT) has gained health benefit claims as a potential preventative antioxidant supplementation of neurodegenerative and amyloid-associated diseases while its pharmacological mechanisms suggest protection against cognitive decline. The primary objective of this study will be to evaluate the effects of HT-rich olive juice polyphenol supplementation alongside MeDi adherence compared with placebo alongside MeDi adherence in the prevention of cognitive decline among patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment associated with AD and non-AD pathology.

Feasibility Study of Mixed Reality Exergame on Performance and Cortical Outcomes

The executive dysfunctions are a problem in individuals with MCI which predict conversion to dementia and is positively related to physical activity level. Previous studies found that exercise can prevent executive and physical dysfunctions for people with MCI. However, the motivation is a critical factor in supporting a sustainable exercise. Exergame is combination of exercise and video game. Enjoyment during playing an exergame can support the exercise motivation. Therefore, we will explore the feasibility of using MR exergame in people with MCI.

Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of KDS2010 in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding Phase 2a clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KDS2010 in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Based on preliminary efficacy observed in the Phase 1 clinical trial, a clinical trial will be conducted in Korea. Eligible patients diagnosed with MCI or mild Alzheimer's disease will be stratified by disease stage (MCI/mild AD) prior to randomization. Subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to either Treatment Group 1, Treatment Group 2, or the Control Group. The investigational product will be administered orally once daily for a duration of 24 weeks. Approximately 114 subjects will be enrolled, including an estimated 20% dropout rate, with 38 subjects assigned to each group (Treatment Group 1, Treatment Group 2, and Control Group). The objectives of the study are as follows: 1. Efficacy Objectives: Efficacy will be evaluated through changes in cognitive function, self-management, and daily living activities before and after administration of KDS2010. Biomarker analysis in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; optional) will also be conducted to explore treatment efficacy. 2. Safety Objectives: The safety and tolerability will be evaluated after administration of KDS2010. 3. Exploratory Objectives: The efficacy of Treatment Groups 1 and 2 compared to the Control group will be explored through cognitive endpoints (the Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog13), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)), stratified by demographic information, tauopathy, and ApoE4 genes. Based on nonclinical and Phase 1 clinical data, KDS2010 will be administered orally once daily at two dose levels: 60 mg and 120 mg.

The Cognitive Protective Effect of VR-based Cognitive Training in Type 2 Diabetes Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment

A single-center, prospective, open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial is conducted to investigate the cognitive-protective efficacy of a novel, diabetes-specific virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training system integrated with diet management modules, relative to frequency- and duration-matched traditional paper-and-pencil cognitive training, in adults aged 45-80 years with T2DM and amnestic/mixed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 40 eligible participants are randomly assigned 1:1 to either the intervention group (16 weeks of individualized VR training with dynamic difficulty, 2 sessions/week, 30-60 minutes/session) or the active control group (standardized paper-and-pencil cognitive tasks). All participants maintain stable glucose-lowering regimens for ≥3 months and receive standardized weekly diabetes health education. The primary endpoint is the between-group difference in the change in MoCA total score from baseline to the 16-week follow-up. Secondary endpoints include changes in individual cognitive domains (memory, executive function, attention, processing speed), olfactory threshold/identification/recall, brain structural volumes and resting-state functional connectivity (assessed via 3.0T fMRI), glycemic control (HbA1c, fasting/postprandial glucose), lipid profile, body composition, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and diabetes self-management behaviors. The safety and participant adherence to the VR intervention are also systematically monitored.

An AI-Based Prediction of Cognitive Capacity in Older Adults and Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment During Virtual Reality Driving Tasks

Driving ability in older adults is essential for independent mobility and social participation, yet declines under high cognitive load or distraction often lead to visual attention failures such as "look-but-fail-to-see," increasing crash risk. Older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show impairments in visual attention, executive control, and visuomotor integration, which are not adequately captured by conventional assessments. Virtual reality (VR) integrated with eye-tracking and upper-limb motion analysis enables ecologically valid simulation of driving scenarios and precise quantification of visuomotor behavior. However, current studies are limited by single-scenario designs, unimodal AI models, and insufficient integration of action-related data. This study proposes a multi-phase framework: Year 1 develops an eye-movement-based AI model for MCI identification; Year 2 integrates multimodal data in VR driving tasks; and Year 3 establishes an explainable AI system with longitudinal validation. The study aims to advance cognitive assessment and develop a digital tool for early MCI detection and driving risk prediction.

The Effects of Single Baduanjin and Elastic Band Exercises on VSWM in Elderly Individuals With MCI

Previous studies have confirmed that both acute (single) and long-term various exercise interventions can significantly improve the cognitive function of individuals with MCI. The positive effects of long-term Qigong and elastic band exercises have also been verified. There are relatively few studies on the impact of Qigong and elastic band exercises on working memory. Most studies focusing on working memory mainly target children and college students. The effect of these exercises on the elderly has not been proven, and the improvement mechanism has not been clarified either. This article mainly starts from a single exercise perspective to explore whether a single exercise can improve the VSWM of elderly individuals with MCI. From the perspective of neurophysiology, it also discusses the brain mechanism of single Qigong and elastic band exercises on the working memory of cognitively impaired elderly people, providing reference for future long-term exercise prescriptions for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease in China.

rTMS Combined With Aerobic Exercise for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Comorbid Depression

This study aims to evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and aerobic exercise on cognitive function and mental health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and comorbid depression. Forty-five participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) rTMS alone, (2) rTMS combined with stationary cycling exercise, or (3) sham rTMS combined with stationary cycling exercise. Participants will receive 20 intervention sessions over a 5-week period (4 sessions per week). Outcomes, including cognitive function, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and gait performance, will be assessed at baseline, immediately after completion of the 5-week intervention, and at a 1-month follow-up. The findings may contribute to the development of evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions for improving cognitive and mental health outcomes in older adults with MCI and comorbid depression.

e-ALIGN: A Patient Portal-based Intervention to Align Medications With What Matters Most

The overarching goal of this study is to pilot an intervention in which older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia and the older adult's care partners are identified in primary care and provided with educational materials through the patient portal to engage the participant in deprescribing. The multicomponent intervention, e-Align, includes delivery of educational information through the patient portal, and a pharmacist-led intervention to align medications with patient and care partner goals and reduce use of central nervous system (CNS) potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM). This work will establish the preliminary data, methods, and partnerships to undertake a multisite embedded pragmatic clinical trial. The resulting triadic-based behavioral intervention will promote patient and care partner engagement, and foster care that aligns with patients' values, and promote improved health and well-being outcomes for people with cognitive impairment and the patient's care partners through deprescribing.

Using Light Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment

The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using near-infrared light, can improve brain blood flow regulation (neurovascular coupling) and cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does tPBM enhance cognitive function and cerebral hemodynamic responses during memory and finger tapping tasks? * Does tPBM reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitigate brain cell damage? * Is cognitive improvement linked to amyloid status, greater cerebral hemodynamic response, and lower levels of brain inflammation and oxidative stress? Researchers will compare an active tPBM treatment arm to a sham treatment arm to see if tPBM leads to measurable improvements in brain activity and cognitive function compared to no active stimulation. Participants will: * Receive a 20-minute-long active tPBM or sham stimulation session once per day, 6 times per week, for 12 weeks. * Complete questionnaires and an iPad-based cognitive testing protocol. * Complete memory and motor tasks while their brain activity is measured using non-invasive techniques: simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG). Dynamic analysis of the vessels in the eye will also be performed based on eligibility. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) flowmetry is optionally performed. * Provide blood samples to test for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and brain cell damage.

Exploring and Evaluating the Impact of 'Refresh and Reconnect!'

Dementia and mild cognitive impairment are a rising concern for the ageing population in Singapore, leading to diminished quality of life and health outcomes. Arts-based interventions in a museum setting have been shown to improve cognitive health and well-being for Persons with Cognitive Impairment (PWCIs), however little is known about the relationship of heritage-based interventions on the health and well-being of PWCIs. This mixed-methods study evaluates the 6-week "Refresh and Reconnect!" programme (R\&R!), a museum-based heritage programme including guided artist-led activities and tours of the National Museum of Singapore. (i) In the quantitative study (n = 64-120 PWCIs, comprising with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia), assessments will be conducted at 2 time points (pre-programme, post-programme) to evaluate change in cognitive, social, and mental well-being. ii) In the qualitative study, ethnographic observations of the R\&R! programme; ethnographic interviews with staff (n= max 3), \& artists (n= max 6); and in-depth interviews with PWCIs (n=16) will be used to elicit the underlying context-mechanisms-outcomes which enable R\&R! success. Programme volunteers will also be engaged through casual or informal conversations as part of the ethnographic observations. The study will provide valuable insights for the development of effective, non-pharmacological interventions for PWCIs. The primary objectives of the study are to (a) compare the change (before and after programme participation) in the health and well-being of PWCIs participating in the programme, and (b) assess the change (before and after programme participation) in the perception of the museum, 'heritage' and learning among PWCIs participating in the programme. The secondary aims are to understand the factors, contexts, and mechanisms that influence the implementation of the museum-based intervention and its effects, including the place-based effects of the curated museum Reunion space for PWCIs. Achieving the objectives will help answer the following research questions: 1. To what extent, and how does participation in the "Refresh and Reconnect!" programme impact health and well-being of PWCIs? 2. To what extent, and how does participation in the programme affect the study participants' understanding and perception of the museum as a potential place to enhance one's health and well-being? \[Note: Study Participants include all who are participating in the study such as PWCIs and those who are implementing (e.g. museum staff), facilitating (e.g. artists) and assisting (e.g. volunteers) with the R\&R! Programme\] 3. What are the contexts and mechanisms that influence the implementation of the programme? These findings are of significant public health importance for Singapore, potentially informing policy decisions, resource allocation, and healthcare strategies to better support PWCIs, ultimately improving their quality of life. Findings of the study may also contribute to similar heritage-based programmes in future, contributing to the understanding of key elements of programme success, and for whom these programmes are effective for.

Italian Validation of the dNA Scale and Its Correlation With Neurocognitive Variables

The goal of this experimental multicentric intervention study is to validate, in Italian, the dynamic Neurocognitive Adaptation (dNA) Scale, which has already been validated in English, among a healthy elderly population (aged 65 and older) residing in Italy and patients with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. dNA is a questionnaire designed to assess both current and past levels of engagement in physical, cognitive, creative, and social activities. The study aims to recruit a total of 265 participants with mild cognitive impairment, subjective memory complaints, or dementia. These participants will be distributed among the 8 recruitment centers. Neuropsychological data, subjective measures, and MRI data will be collected and analyzed to address the following research questions: 1) Is there a positive correlation between scores on the dNA Scale and cognitive efficiency, as reflected in neuropsychological measures, such as episodic memory and executive functions? 2) Is there a correlation between dNA scores and improved functional connectivity within neural networks, such as the Default Network (DN)? Participants recruited at the participating clinical centers will undergo: * A clinical interview, during which demographic and medical history information will be collected. The dNA Scale will be administered, along with a questionnaire assessing adherence to dietary habits typical of a Mediterranean diet (14-Item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener; MEDAS). * A neuropsychological assessment, aimed at evaluating general cognitive function with a particular focus on episodic memory and executive functions. The following tests will be administered: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or, alternatively, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT); Trial Making Test (TMT) Form B; Digit Span Forward and Backward (WAIS or WAIS-III); and the Stroop Test. * Self-report questionnaires designed to assess depressive symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and anxiety symptoms using the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS) (or alternatively the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI). Finally, the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire will be administered to estimate Cognitive Reserve (CRIq). * Where available, MRI data previously acquired for clinical or diagnostic purposes will be included in the study and analyzed by the principal investigator.

Feasibility Study of 'SuperBrain BOOM' for Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a mobile-based personalized physical activity program called SuperBrain BOOM is safe and works to improve cognitive function, physical performance, mood, and quality of life in older adults (ages 50-85) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The main questions it aims to answer are: Can SuperBrain BOOM be safely and effectively used by people with MCI? Does the program help improve cognitive and physical function? Do participants stay engaged and complete the program as expected? Researchers will compare: A mobile intervention group using SuperBrain BOOM (on tablet or smartphone) A control group receiving usual care Participants will: Use a tablet or smartphone to follow a personalized physical activity program for 12 weeks Complete clinical assessments on cognition, physical ability, mood, and nutrition Be monitored for safety and program adherence using automatically collected data

Biomarker-based Trial of NPC-1 for Alzheimer's Pathology

This early phase, open label, single arm clinical trial will determine the intraindividual safety, tolerability and effects of NPC1 (parthenolide and ipriflavone) on blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology among adults with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's disease and objective indicators of seeding AD pathology

Assessment of Motor Reserve in the Preclinical Stages of Dementia

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition associated with an increased risk of progression to dementia. Although cognitive alterations have traditionally been the main focus of investigation, growing evidence suggests that motor changes may also emerge during the early stages of cognitive decline and may represent potential preclinical indicators of disease. In this context, the concept of motor reserve has emerged as a construct of increasing interest, although it remains insufficiently defined. Understanding how motor characteristics may contribute to an individual's ability to compensate for or modulate the effects of cognitive decline could provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in the early stages of dementia. Therefore, the present monocentric observational study aims to further investigate the concept of motor reserve in healthy individuals and in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) through a multidimensional approach based on clinical, neuropsychological, behavioral, and kinematic assessments. In particular, standardized motor tasks and quantitative movement analyses using a sensor-based medical device will be employed to objectively characterize motor performance.The study plans to recruit approximately 200 participants, including healthy individuals and patients with MCI, enrolled at the Neuropsychology Outpatient Clinic of the Neurology Unit of the University Hospital "Renato Dulbecco" in Catanzaro. In the healthy group, the relationship between motor reserve and motor performance will be investigated, while in patients with MCI the relationship between cognitive reserve, motor reserve, clinical and neuropsychological status, and motor performance will be explored. The findings of this study may contribute to a broader and more operational definition of motor reserve and support the identification of potential motor biomarkers associated with early cognitive decline. These findings may ultimately contribute to the development of innovative strategies for the early detection and monitoring of conditions at risk of progression to dementia.

Study of Bedroom Environment Sleep Intervention at Home for Older Adults Living Alone With Memory Concerns

This is an eight-week pilot research study designed to test whether simple changes to the bedroom environment along with brief sleep hygiene strategies, can improve sleep in older adults who live alone, have memory concerns, and experience insomnia symptoms. Older adults may be eligible to participate. The intervention will take 8 weeks, which includes 1-2 in-person visits from the research team at the participant's residence (evaluate the bedroom environment, install participant-agreed bedroom changes, deliver target sleep hygiene strategy) and 2 virtual or telephone calls (support environmental and sleep hygiene strategies) over 8 weeks. Sleep and environment data will be collected at screening/baseline, mid-intervention (4-week) and post-intervention (8-week)

Dementia With Lewy Bodies: Clinical Symptoms, Biomarkers and Progression

The goal of this observational study is to improve the detection of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and its prodromal phases, as well as advancing our current understanding of biological mechanisms and therapeutic options. The data is acquired at cognitive clinics in Stockholm (Sweden) and combined with national and international data to increase statistical power, representativeness and replication of results. Participants undergo collection of clinical assessments, neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers.

Crownlands Observing Progression With Neurons Study

The CROWN-I Study is an observational study to learn about molecular features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The primary objective is to identify the molecular and genetic modules that differentiate patient subtypes and predict progression of AD. Participants will visit clinical sites to donate samples multiple times and perform virtual and in-person clinical assessments.

Telehealth-Adapted Compensatory Training and Intervention for Cognition

The goal of this clinical trial is to develop a five-week virtual cognitive training intervention for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) based off an existing eight-week intervention. The main question it aims to answer is: • Is five weeks of training as good as eight weeks in improving cognition, quality of life, daily functioning, and mood, and in reducing caregiver burden? Researchers will compare five weeks of cognitive training to eight weeks of training to see if the shorter version is as effective as the full training. Participants will complete all activities virtually: * Complete a screening visit with a study partner (typically a family member, roommate, or close friend) to determine eligibility to participate in the study * Complete some tests of memory and thinking and some questionnaires * Attend weekly two-hour group cognitive training sessions with a trained group leader, for five or eight weeks * Redo the questionnaires and tests of memory and thinking immediately after completing the training, and three months after completing the training

Safety And Tolerability Of Gamma Glutamylcysteine (GGC) Oral Supplementation In MCI Patients

The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Gamma Glutamylcysteine (GGC) supplement at different doses (400mg/day or 800mg/day or 1200mg/day) when administered orally to patients with MCI over 3 months. This study is designed to generate preliminary clinical safety data to inform the feasibility and design of larger controlled trials.