Clinical Research Directory

HOBSCOTCH-YOUTH and Young Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn more about the home-based epilepsy self-management program, HOBSCOTCH, for improving cognitive function (thinking and memory) and quality of life specifically in young adults, ages 18 - 29 years, who have epilepsy. It will also learn if a modification of the program for youth with epilepsy, ages 13 - 17, improves thinking and memory and quality of life and reduces stress for their parents. Researchers will enroll 260 young adults with epilepsy and 40 youth with epilepsy and their parent or guardian. Researchers will compare responses to questionnaires and surveys before and after participation in the HOBSCOTCH program to see if thinking, memory and quality of life have improved for young adults and youth with epilepsy and to see if parents have improved quality of life as well. Participants will: * Attend 9 weekly one-hour sessions of the HOBSCOTH program in their homes with a one-on-one coach using their computer or their phone; youth with epilepsy (ages 13 - 17) will attend alongside a parent or legal guardian. * Keep a short daily diary about their seizures and activity in the program using a smart phone app(lication) * Complete surveys and questionnaires before HOBSCOTCH and 3 months and 6 months later. There are no study visits to a medical center. HOBSCOTCH is a virtual or telehealth intervention.

Serum Sulfate and Brain Function in Diabetic Encephalopathy

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the relationship between sulfate ion levels in the blood and brain function in people with diabetic encephalopathy, a diabetes-related brain condition that can affect thinking and memory. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Are blood sulfate ion levels related to memory and thinking test scores? 2. Are blood sulfate ion levels related to the severity of brain shrinkage (brain atrophy) seen on MRI? 3. Do sulfate ion levels and their relationship with thinking and memory differ among people with different levels of long-term blood sugar control? Researchers will compare participants grouped by long-term blood sugar control (based on HbA1c, a blood test that reflects average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months) to see whether sulfate ion levels and their associations with brain function differ. Participants will: 1. Give a blood sample to measure sulfate ion levels, HbA1c, and neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of nerve damage. 2. Complete the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a test of memory and thinking, and questionnaires about daily living skills. 3. Have a brain MRI scan to assess brain shrinkage, unless a recent scan within the past 6 months can be used. 4. Provide information about their diabetes and medical history. This is a cross-sectional study, so participants will be assessed once at enrollment. No treatment or intervention is given. About 220 adults aged 45-75 years with type 2 diabetes and diabetic encephalopathy will take part.

MW151 and Whole-brain Radiotherapy in Patients With Intracranial Metastases

HYPOTHESIS: MW151 intervention during whole-brain radiotherapy for intracranial metastases is safe and well tolerated and will mitigate neurocognitive decline. RATIONALE: There is non-clinical evidence that MW151 reduces brain inflammation and improves neurocognitive outcomes in animal models of radiation therapy induced cognitive dysfunction, and in animal models of other CNS disorders. PURPOSE: This feasibility trial evaluated whether MW151 was safe and well tolerated and whether it mitigated neurocognitive decline following whole-brain radiotherapy in adult patients with intracranial metastases from solid tumors.

Effects of Adaptive Difficulty Computerized Cognitive Training on Cognitive Function Improvement in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adaptive computerized cognitive training (CCT) in improving cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to compare the maintenance effects of different training frequencies after the initial intervention. A quasi-experimental study will be conducted in three communities in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. All participants will receive a 12-week adaptive CCT program. Participants will be assigned to either a high-frequency maintenance training group or a training discontinuation group. Cognitive assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and during follow-up. The primary outcome is global cognitive function, while secondary outcomes include memory, attention, executive function, language, visuospatial ability, and activities of daily living. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence for optimizing computerized cognitive training programs and long-term management strategies for older adults with MCI in community settings.

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Hand Jing-Well Acupoint Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Improving Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment

This study evaluates a non-invasive electrical stimulation therapy applied to specific acupoints on the fingers (called Jing-Well points) to improve thinking and memory problems after stroke. Purpose: Many stroke survivors develop cognitive difficulties (problems with memory, attention, and decision-making). Current treatments are limited. This study tests whether gentle electrical stimulation to hand acupoints can improve these symptoms. Who can participate: Adults aged \[35-80\] who have had an ischemic stroke and now have mild to moderate cognitive impairment. What happens: Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either (1) active electrical stimulation to hand Jing-Well points, (2) sham (fake) stimulation. Treatment will last 4 weeks, 6 sessions per week, each 30 minutes, with a stimulation frequency of 10 Hz and intensity adjusted to each participant's tolerance. Cognitive tests and brain imaging will be done before and after treatment. Potential benefits: Participants may experience improved cognitive function. The study will also help researchers understand how this therapy works in the brain. Risks: The electrical stimulation may cause mild tingling or skin irritation at the electrode sites. Brain imaging is non-invasive and safe. All procedures will be performed by trained professionals.

Cognitive-Based Balance Rehabilitation in Parkinson's Disease: Virtual Reality vs. Dual Task

This prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of cognitive-based balance rehabilitation delivered via immersive Virtual Reality (VR) versus traditional Dual-Task Training (DTT) on balance, gait, cognitive functions, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Postural instability and cognitive decline are hallmark features of progressive PD that significantly elevate fall risks and compromise daily independence, yet conventional pharmacological therapies offer limited effectiveness in restoring complex postural control. Given that motor and cognitive processes are intrinsically linked, this study addresses a critical gap in neurorehabilitation by investigating two contemporary modalities designed to challenge these systems simultaneously. A total of 34 participants diagnosed with PD (aged 40-80 years, Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III) will be randomly allocated to either the Dual-Task Group (DTG), receiving structured therapeutic exercises integrated with sequential cognitive tasks, or the Virtual Reality Group (VRG), engaging in an immersive balance program utilizing the Oculus Quest 2® headset with the FIT-XR application. Both groups will undergo an identical intervention protocol consisting of 45-minute supervised sessions, conducted twice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks during their pharmacological "on" phase. Standardized assessments will be performed by a blinded clinician at baseline and post-intervention (Week 8). The primary outcome measures will be dynamic balance and gait assessed through the Mini-Balance Evaluations Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) alongside global cognitive performance measured via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Secondary outcomes will encompass objective posturographic indices using the Biodex Balance System, motor severity via the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), freezing of gait, health-related quality of life, global perceived improvement, and potential cyber-sickness symptoms monitored through the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ) to comprehensively determine the safety and comparative therapeutic value of these interventions.

China-NINE Cohort：Neuroimmune Network in Elderly / Neurodegeneration

This is an observational study aimed at understanding the cognitive, functional, and behavioral characteristics of Chinese patients with cognitive impairment, exploring the underlying mechanisms, and providing evidence for early diagnosis, treatment, and care of cognitive disorders including dementia. Eligible participants will undergo a series of assessments and examinations, including cognitive and memory scale tests, routine blood tests, ApoE genetic testing, cerebrospinal fluid testing, brain MRI, functional MRI, and FDG-PET/AV45-PET scans when necessary. Additional samples such as saliva, nasal secretions, and stool may also be collected. Most evaluations are provided free of charge to support diagnosis and treatment guidance. Participation is voluntary. All personal information and research data will be kept confidential. Potential benefits include access to expert clinical care and free cognitive assessments for disease evaluation. Possible inconveniences include time commitment and temporary discomfort during examinations; medical support will be provided if needed.

DIV-AD BARCELONA: Alzheimer's Blood-Based Biomakers for a Diverse Community

The DIV-AD study aims to find out whether levels of Alzheimer's disease markers in blood differ among the main ethnical groups living in central Barcelona. It will also examine how factors such as age, income, education, and health conditions may affect these levels. In addition, the study will identify barriers that may make it difficult to use these blood tests in primary care. The final goal is to help ensure that everyone in Barcelona has fair access to early prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Aβ PET and Tau PET Imaging in the Diagnosis and Progression Assessment of Alzheimer's Disease

This prospective study recruited 20 healthy volunteers and 50 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) according to clinical guidelines. Participants underwent AV45/AV-1 and AV1451 PET imaging to obtain information on Aβ protein deposition, tau protein distribution, and structural and functional information. The study aims to evaluate the value of multimodal imaging features in the diagnosis and progression assessment of AD, providing imaging evidence for novel treatment modalities such as lecanemab therapy and deep cervical vein-lymphatic anastomosis.

INSIDE: Intervention in Nutritional Supplementation to Improve Cognitive Decline in Elderly.

This study investigates the effect of nutritional supplementation on cognitive performance in older adults over a 90-day period using a double-blind randomized controlled design. The study includes 50 participants, aged 65 or older, randomly assigned to either a supplement group or a placebo group. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention to determine the effect of the supplementation on cognitive performance. Key outcomes include cognitive status measured by MoCA, adherence to supplementation, and potential side effects. The findings will provide insights into the potential role of nutritional interventions in mitigating age-related cognitive decline.