Frontotemporal dementia
MONDO:0017276Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprises a group of neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by progressive changes in behavior, executive dysfunction and language impairment, as a result of degeneration of the medial prefrontal and frontoinsular cortices. Four clinical subtypes have been identified: semantic dementia, progressive non-fluent aphasia, behavioral variant FTD and right temporal lobar atrophy.
Also known as: FTD, MSTD, frontotemporal lobe dementia (FLDEM)
171 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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Could this pill slow Alzheimer's? new trial results are in
Disease control CompletedThis completed Phase 2 trial tested an oral drug called LY3372689 in 327 people with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The goal was to see if the drug could safely slow down declines in thinking and daily living skills compared to a placebo. The study focused on participants…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Eli Lilly and Company • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:08 UTC
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New drug TPN-101 tested in ALS and dementia patients with C9orf72 gene mutation
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a drug called TPN-101 in 42 people with ALS or frontotemporal dementia caused by a specific gene change (C9orf72). The main goal was to check if the drug is safe and tolerable over 48 weeks. Researchers also looked at how the drug moves in the body and whether i…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Transposon Therapeutics, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
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New spinal injection drug tested for rare brain disorder
Disease control CompletedThis early-stage trial tested a drug called NIO752 in 59 people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare brain disorder that affects movement and balance. The drug was given as a spinal injection to see if it is safe and how the body processes it. The main goal was to ch…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:06 UTC
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New drug targets genetic dementia in small trial
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a drug called AL001 in 33 people who carry a gene mutation that causes frontotemporal dementia, a brain disease that affects personality and language. The goal was to see if the drug is safe and how it affects certain proteins in the body. The trial was open-lab…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Alector Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:02 UTC
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New PET tracers aim to spot tau tangles in rare brain disease
Diagnosis CompletedThis early-phase study tests two new imaging drugs, [18F]ABBV-964i and [18F]ABBV-965i, designed to light up tau protein buildup in the brain during a PET scan. Tau buildup is linked to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare movement and thinking disorder. The trial includes…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Invicro • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jul 12, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Eye test AI could spot dementia early
Diagnosis CompletedThis study tested an artificial intelligence platform that screens for cognitive dysfunction by analyzing eye movements. Over 1,500 participants, including people with various dementias and healthy individuals, took part. The AI aims to detect cognitive impairment and provide ref…
Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:06 UTC
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Simple blood test could spot Alzheimer's early
Diagnosis CompletedThis study tested a new blood test that uses a microfluidic chip to detect Alzheimer's disease. Researchers collected blood and urine samples from 150 people, including those with Alzheimer's, other brain diseases, and healthy volunteers. The goal was to see if the test could acc…
Sponsor: Amoneta Diagnostics SAS • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:07 UTC
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Old drug, new hope: lithium tested to stop Alzheimer's before it starts
Prevention CompletedThis study tested whether lithium, a drug used for mood disorders, can prevent Alzheimer's dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). 83 participants took either lithium or a placebo for a period, and researchers measured memory, thinking skills, and brain cha…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: Ariel Gildengers, MD • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:58 UTC
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Shock therapy for dementia agitation? new trial tests ECT
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tests whether adding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to usual care can safely reduce severe agitation in people with moderate to severe dementia, including Alzheimer's and other types. Fifty participants will receive ECT sessions with anesthesia, and researchers will m…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Brent Forester • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Aug 01, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a High-Fat drink help Alzheimer's? small study tests safety
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a ketogenic drink made from medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in 43 people with Alzheimer's disease or a type of frontotemporal dementia. The goal was to see if it was safe and tolerable, and to measure ketone levels in the blood. It was a small, early-stage tri…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of British Columbia • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Can magnetic pulses to the brain boost speech in aphasia?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether repeated sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could improve language in people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a condition that slowly damages language areas of the brain. Ten participants received both real and sham (fake) TMS ove…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:02 UTC
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Online brain games for dementia: new study tests if virtual therapy can keep minds sharp
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a virtual group therapy program called Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (V-CST) could help slow cognitive decline in people with mild to moderate dementia. 133 participants were randomly assigned to either receive a referral for V-CST or continue with stand…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Amherst • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Apple watch and health coaching aim to ease caregiver burden
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether an Apple Watch paired with a special app and weekly health coaching could help dementia caregivers improve their sleep and mood. Twenty-one caregivers wore the watch to track their activity and sleep, and received personalized feedback and motivational c…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:13 UTC
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New palliative care program aims to ease suffering for dementia patients and families
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a special palliative care program for people with late-stage Alzheimer's or related dementias and their family caregivers. The program started during a hospital stay and included caregiver education and support to reduce hospital transfers and improve symptom co…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Brain zaps may help stroke survivors find their words again
Symptom relief CompletedThis pilot study tested whether combining a mild brain stimulation technique (tDCS) with intensive language therapy can help people with non-fluent aphasia after a stroke. Ten participants received both real and sham stimulation during therapy sessions. The goal was to see if the…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Minnesota • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:03 UTC
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Video program eases burden for FTD caregivers
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a video-based program called STELLA-FTD to help family caregivers of people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Sixteen caregivers participated in the program, which aimed to reduce their stress and improve their quality of life. The approach used videoconferenc…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
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Asparagus supplement shows promise for memory and mood in seniors
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a daily supplement called ETAS®, made from asparagus, could improve memory, mood, and reduce inflammation in healthy adults aged 60-80 who had mild memory concerns. 45 participants took either a low or high dose of ETAS® or a placebo for 12 weeks. Resear…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Reading • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:58 UTC
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Stroke speech therapy: finding the right dose
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested speech entrainment therapy (SET) in 80 people with non-fluent aphasia after a stroke. Participants practiced speaking along with an audio-visual computer program for 3, 4.5, or 6 weeks, or received no therapy. The goal was to find the best duration for lasting i…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:57 UTC
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Gentle zaps to the brain may ease language loss in dementia
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with language therapy, could improve speech in 23 people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Participants received either real or fake (sham) stimulation daily for 10 days. Rese…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:57 UTC
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Zapping the brain to save speech: new hope for aphasia?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the brain (tDCS) can improve language when combined with speech therapy in people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a condition that slowly damages language abilities. 76 adults with two types of PPA received …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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New online tool aims to ease dementia caregiver stress
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested an online tool called WeCareAdvisor that helps caregivers of people with dementia manage behavioral and psychological symptoms. 262 caregivers used the tool for 6 months, with some receiving extra prompts. The goal was to see if it reduces caregiver distress and…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Drexel University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:52 UTC
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Scientists track how a single gene causes two brain diseases
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 50 adults with a C9ORF72 gene mutation that can cause ALS or frontotemporal dementia. Over three years, researchers measured changes in strength, thinking, memory, and behavior using brain scans, spinal fluid tests, and other assessments. The goal was to under…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 06, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Smart bracelets could read the hidden signs of apathy in dementia
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tests whether wearable sensors and caregiver questionnaires can capture the behavioral signs of apathy in people with dementia during daily life. Patients with Alzheimer's or frontotemporal dementia and their caregivers wear a sensor bracelet for 28 days, while caregiv…
Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Tiny study aims to unlock secrets of stuttering and aphasia
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looks at how the brain plans and produces speech in people who stutter, those with primary progressive aphasia, and healthy speakers. Participants will practice saying made-up words with tricky sound combinations while researchers measure brain activity with MRI and tr…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 26, 2026 00:00 UTC
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ER pharmacists tackle dementia medication risks
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether emergency department pharmacists can safely reduce the use of certain brain-active medications in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Researchers worked with 300 participants to see if pharmacists could communicate medication changes to…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Institute on Aging (NIA) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Brain scans reveal how language therapy rewires Stroke-Damaged brains
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study investigates how different language treatments affect both language skills and brain function in people with aphasia, a condition that impairs the ability to speak, understand, read, or write after a stroke. Participants will receive therapy targeting naming, spelling,…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Scientists probe hidden memory system that might survive brain damage
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at how people learn and remember associations, like names or where you met someone. Researchers compared healthy young and older adults with patients who have memory problems from Alzheimer's or semantic dementia. They used memory tests and brain scans…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Rennes University Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Brain scans reveal hidden impact of opioid overdoses
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether opioid use disorder and non-fatal overdoses cause a harmful protein called tau to build up in the brain. Researchers used special PET/CT scans on 12 adults, including those with opioid use disorder and healthy volunteers. The goal was to understand lo…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:05 UTC
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Sensors track apathy in dementia patients
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis pilot study tested whether wearable sensors can accurately measure apathy in people with frontotemporal dementia. Researchers monitored 14 participants' movements and behaviors in real-life situations. The goal was to see if technology could provide a more objective way to a…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:02 UTC
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Scientists hunt for dementia genes in 2,256-Person study
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study collected blood samples from over 2,200 people with Alzheimer's or other dementias, plus healthy volunteers, to search for genes linked to these diseases. Researchers aimed to identify new genetic causes and better understand how genes affect disease risk and progressi…
Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Scientists use video and sensors to objectively measure apathy
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study aimed to create a better way to measure apathy—a lack of motivation and goal-directed behavior—in people with brain diseases like frontotemporal dementia and depression. Researchers used video recordings and body sensors to track behaviors in a real-life setting. 66 he…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Eye-Tracking reveals how dementia patients see emotions differently
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study used eye-tracking to see how people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or frontotemporal dementia look at faces when trying to recognize emotions. Researchers compared their eye movements to healthy adults. The goal was to understand if different visual strategies explain …
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:30 UTC
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Brain-Body signals could reveal hidden patterns in autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer's
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study at Rutgers University looked at how the brain and body communicate in 30 people with conditions like autism, ADHD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. Participants performed natural movements like walking and pointing while their brain, heart, and motion signals we…
Sponsor: Rutgers University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:25 UTC
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Large study maps genes behind frontotemporal dementia
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study involved over 2,200 people diagnosed with or suspected of having frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Researchers collected blood samples to look for genetic changes linked to the disease. The goal was to find out how common these genetic causes are in people with …
Sponsor: CENTOGENE GmbH Rostock • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:05 UTC
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New study probes memory specificity in dementia patients
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how people with Alzheimer's disease or a type of frontotemporal dementia remember personal events from their past. Researchers tested 39 participants using a detailed scale to see if memories were specific (like a single event in time and place) or more gener…
Sponsor: Nantes University Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
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Scientists track rare muscle disease progression in 44 patients
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 44 adults with a confirmed VCP gene mutation to learn how their disease (IBMPFD) naturally progresses over one year. Participants completed walking tests, strength assessments, and surveys about daily function and quality of life. The goal was to gather data t…
Sponsor: Nationwide Children's Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
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Tiny brain clues may reveal how dementias differ
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study examined 186 people with Alzheimer's, Lewy body, frontotemporal, or corticobasal dementia, plus healthy controls, to see if subtle physical signs (like coordination or reflexes) differ between dementia types. Participants had simple exams and cognitive tests. The goal …
Sponsor: University of Milano Bicocca • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Massive Alzheimer's study aims to sharpen diagnosis and trial design
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed observational study enrolled 1,141 participants with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Researchers tracked changes in memory tests, brain scans, and other biomarkers over time. The goal was to improve how future clinical trials measure the disease, …
Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:01 UTC
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Gut cleanse may cloud thinking after surgery
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether bowel cleansing before colorectal surgery is linked to memory or thinking problems after the operation. Researchers measured certain brain-related proteins in the blood and gave thinking tests to 84 patients before and after surgery. The goal was to u…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: TC Erciyes University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:10 UTC
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Brain scans reveal why some dementia patients lack Self-Awareness
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 77 people with Alzheimer's or frontotemporal dementia to understand why some lose awareness of their condition (anosognosia). Researchers used EEG and brain scans to measure how the brain responds to mistakes and emotional signals. The goal is to find brain m…
Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:08 UTC
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What’s it like to live with bvFTD? researchers ask patients directly
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study interviewed 26 adults who either have behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) or carry a gene that puts them at risk. The goal was to learn how the condition affects daily life, emotions, and coping. No treatment or medication was tested—just listening and g…
Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:10 UTC
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Could a new PET tracer reveal hidden brain changes in dementia?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study tested a new radioactive tracer called [18F]-SynVesT-1 to measure brain synapse density in 134 people with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies, or late-life psychiatric disorders. Researchers compared this new scan to t…
Sponsor: Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:09 UTC
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Swallowing struggles in dementia add to caregiver burden, new study finds
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study surveyed 219 family caregivers of people with dementia to explore how swallowing problems (dysphagia) affect their burden and needs. Caregivers completed a one-time online questionnaire about their experiences, stress, and knowledge. The goal is to better understand an…
Sponsor: University of Oregon • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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New brain scan tracks Dementia-Linked tau buildup in rare language disorders
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a special PET scan tracer (F-18 AV 1451) to see how much tau protein builds up in the brains of 81 people with primary progressive aphasia or frontotemporal dementia. Researchers compared these scans to those of healthy controls to find unique patterns for each …
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
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Scientists probe frontal Lobe's role in analogical thinking
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at how the prefrontal cortex helps us understand analogies and categories. Researchers used brain scans, EEG, and magnetic stimulation in 130 healthy volunteers and patients with frontotemporal dementia or progressive supranuclear palsy. The goal was t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Phone-Based dementia care could cut hospital visits and ease caregiver burden
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a program called the Care Ecosystem, which provides phone- and web-based support and care coordination for people with dementia and their caregivers. Over 1,200 participants from six health systems took part. The goal was to see if this approach improves quality…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 13:17 UTC