COGNITIVE DECLINE

This study compares light versus deep general anesthesia in older adults (65+ or Indigenous 55+) having major surgery. The goal is to see if lighter anesthesia reduces delirium—a common, serious complication that can cause confusion and long-term brain decline. About 2,766 partic…

This study is testing a new automated tool that helps primary care doctors quickly screen older adults for early signs of memory or thinking problems. The tool uses symbol matching and voice tasks on an iPad to give a risk score. Researchers will enroll 100 Spanish-speaking adult…

This study looks at whether combining the MIND diet (a mix of Mediterranean and DASH diets) with aerobic exercise can help prevent memory and thinking problems in Black adults aged 35-75 who have high blood pressure. Participants will either receive food delivery, cooking lessons…

This study tests whether helping older adults (70+) with high blood pressure get better control of their numbers can also protect their memory and thinking skills. Researchers will compare a special care program (using decision-support tools and a team approach) against usual car…

This study looks at how common thinking problems are in people aged 65+ with type 2 diabetes. It then tests a program that combines healthy habits, exercise, and mental activities to see if it can prevent or slow down memory and thinking decline. About 420 participants will be fo…

This study tests whether 6 months of supervised aerobic exercise (like walking or cycling) can boost fitness, reduce brain damage, and improve memory in adults 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's. Participants will exercise regularly, have memory test…

This study explores whether adding immersive 360-degree virtual reality videos to aerobic exercise can improve memory, attention, and thinking skills in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Researchers will compare a group that does aerobic exercise while watching V…

This study tests whether a daily supplement of broccoli sprout extract can improve memory and thinking in adults aged 55-85 with mild cognitive impairment. Over 12 weeks, 100 participants will take either the extract or a placebo to see if it helps slow or reverse memory decline.…

This study compares two activities—playing video games and tossing balls—to see which better improves eye-hand coordination in older adults (60+) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Poor coordination can make daily tasks like dressing or eating harder. The study will measure co…

This study tests an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program called Good Days Ahead for older adults (50+) who have depression after an ICU stay. The goal is to see if treating depression can slow down memory and thinking problems. About 300 participants will be …

This study tests a dietary supplement called Sabroxy® in 140 adults aged 40-80 who have both mild cognitive impairment (early memory loss) and insulin resistance (a pre-diabetic condition). Participants will take either the supplement or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. The goal is t…

This pilot study tests whether a door-through-door rideshare service with a trained companion driver helps older adults (60+) with Alzheimer's or related dementias attend more medical appointments compared to standard curb-to-curb rideshare. About 120 participants in the San Fran…

This study tests whether a mobile health program (mPATH) can help low-income older adults who have trouble sleeping and are not very active. Participants will use a smartphone app to increase physical activity, and researchers will measure changes in memory and sleep quality. The…

This study tests whether combining the drug memantine with a structured exercise program can improve memory and thinking problems (often called 'chemo brain') in women undergoing chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. About 90 participants will be split into three groups: on…

This study tests a simple, non-invasive device that plays soft sounds during sleep to boost deep sleep and improve memory. Sixty older adults with mild memory problems will use the device at home for four weeks. Researchers will measure memory, brain activity, and blood markers t…

This study tests whether a 12-week mindful walking program can reduce stress and improve thinking skills in older South Asian family caregivers (age 45+) who care for someone with cognitive disabilities. Fifty participants will be split into two groups: one does mindful walking w…

This study tests whether a technology-assisted block training program can improve cognitive function, hand dexterity, and grip strength in adults aged 65 and older. Forty participants will use the program and be assessed on thinking, hand skills, and well-being. The goal is to se…

This study looks at how being overweight or having early signs of type 2 diabetes affects the brains of teenagers aged 12 to 17. Researchers will use brain scans and thinking tests to see if factors like insulin resistance or inflammation are linked to changes in memory, processi…

This study looks at whether bladder tumor surgery under general anesthesia causes short-term memory or thinking problems. Researchers will test 42 adults before and after surgery using simple cognitive tests and measure brain injury markers in the blood. The goal is to better und…

This study explores better methods for running clinical trials in dementia and cognitive decline. Researchers will use a new measurement called 'δ' that combines thinking ability and daily function, along with blood protein levels, to see if they can predict who will respond to t…

This study looks at how different types of dietary fats affect thinking and memory in adults who have mild memory complaints. Over 88 participants will eat a special snack each day for one week. Researchers will measure brain function and gut health to see if certain fats can hel…

This study aims to find the best amount of a digital meditation program to improve thinking skills and reduce stress in older adults. Researchers will enroll 4,000 people aged 60 and older who own a smartphone or tablet. Participants will use a meditation app, and their cognitive…

This study watches sleep and body rhythms in 150 older adults (70+) before major orthopedic surgery. Researchers collect blood samples and use a wrist monitor to see if sleep problems link to postoperative delirium. No treatment is given—the goal is to find early warning signs.

This study follows 600 adults with type 2 diabetes who do not yet have heart failure or dementia. Researchers will track inflammation, heart energy use, and thinking skills over time. The goal is to find early warning signs of heart failure and memory decline, so doctors can pers…

This study looks at how vegetarian and plant-based diets affect healthy aging in 5,000 middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan. Researchers will measure thinking skills, muscle mass, and strength to see if these diets help prevent age-related problems like frailty and memory loss.…

This study tests a program designed with the Black community to help adults aged 45-65 exercise more. The goal is to see if setting personal exercise goals can improve physical activity, blood pressure, and markers of brain health. Researchers will track 226 participants over 12 …

This study looks at how natural plant compounds (flavonoids) from foods like berries and tea are broken down by gut bacteria into substances that may protect the brain. Researchers will measure these substances in the blood and stool of 100 adults aged 50 and older who have a fam…

This study tests whether a special program can reduce confusion (delirium) after surgery in older adults. Researchers will screen patients aged 60 and older before their operation to find those at highest risk. Those identified will receive extra care recommendations and educatio…

This study looks at how traumatic brain injury (TBI) may lead to thinking problems and blood vessel damage in the brain. Researchers will follow 300 active-duty military members and veterans, measuring blood markers and thinking skills over time. The goal is to better understand …

This study looks at whether breathing low-oxygen air (hypoxic conditioning), either by itself or combined with exercise, can improve blood vessel health in the brains of older adults. Researchers will enroll 64 inactive people aged 60 to 80 to test this approach. The goal is to f…

This study is looking for DNA markers that might predict brain damage in older adults having a minimally invasive heart valve replacement (TAVR). Researchers will measure DNA methylation in blood before and after the procedure and compare it to brain scans. The goal is to find ne…

This study looks at whether successfully treating moderate-to-severe sleep apnea can improve memory and reduce biological markers linked to Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Researchers will compare a group that receives immediate sleep apnea treatment (using CPAP, oral applia…

This study tests a new method to help primary care doctors detect early signs of dementia or memory loss in underserved communities. Over 45,000 adults aged 65 and older without prior diagnosis will participate across 24 clinics. The goal is to see if using a quick cognitive test…

This study looks at whether a gentle electrical current applied to the brain (tDCS) can improve working memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers will compare results from 110 participants aged 60-95, including both those with memory concerns and healthy …

This study compares two forms of DHA (a healthy fat found in fish oil) in 153 older adults with early memory decline. One form (LPC-DHA) is thought to enter the brain more easily than standard DHA. Participants take supplements for 24 weeks, and researchers measure DHA levels in …

This study aims to understand why some people experience memory and thinking problems as they get older. Researchers will use brain scans and memory tests to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease in 300 healthy adults aged 60 and older. Participants will undergo MRI and PET s…

This study explores whether combining biological tests, psychological assessments, and social factors can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will follow 80 people with cognitive decline and their caregivers, using memory tests, blood m…

This study looks at whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve motivation, memory, and brain function in healthy older adults and those with early signs of Alzheimer's. Participants will receive daily stimulation sessions for two weeks, wit…