COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

This study tests whether adding choline to a special peanut-based food helps brain development in 1,500 severely malnourished children in Malawi, ages 6 months to 5 years. Half get standard food, half get food with extra choline. Researchers will measure thinking and motor skills…

This study tests whether adding milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) to ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) helps brain development and reduces death, hospitalization, or persistent malnutrition in 1,600 children aged 6-59 months with severe acute malnutrition in Sierra Leone. Child…

This study is testing if a daily antioxidant supplement called MitoQ can improve thinking skills like memory and focus in people with early schizophrenia. Researchers will enroll 100 people, but only 50 with a specific blood marker will take either MitoQ or a placebo pill for 12 …

This study is testing a new, smaller, and mobile PET scanner called the Radialis PET Imager (RPI) to see if it can take pictures of amyloid plaques in the brain as well as standard PET scanners. Amyloid plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and seeing them helps doctors …

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 is testing whether a virtual reality (VR) platform called VIRADIA can accurately measure thinking and movement skills, like attention, balance, and hand coordination. About 200 healthy adults and people with neurological conditions (such as Parkinson's or multiple scle…

This study tests a simple 5-minute cognitive assessment called 5-Cog to help primary care doctors detect dementia and mild cognitive impairment earlier. It involves 6,600 older adults in 22 clinics in the Bronx and Indiana, focusing on communities that often face health dispariti…

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 a program focused on healthy eating, exercise, and brain games can help prevent memory and thinking problems in older adults. Researchers will enroll 120 people aged 55 to 85 who are at higher risk for dementia. Participants will attend group sessions on …

This study tests whether an internet-based program can help people who survived a cardiac arrest and now face problems with memory, mood, or daily life. About 106 participants will use a web app designed to improve their quality of life. The goal is to see if online support can e…

This study compares two types of brain training programs for 30 adults with long COVID who have mild to moderate brain fog. One program uses computer games and real-life tasks to improve thinking speed and work skills, while the other focuses on relaxation and healthy habits. Bot…

This study tests whether playing brain-training games on a virtual reality headset can improve memory, attention, and thinking skills in adults who recently left the intensive care unit (ICU). About 51 participants will be split into three groups: VR games, tablet games, or stand…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS to see if it can safely improve cognitive function in people with cerebral small vessel disease, a condition that damages small blood vessels in the brain and often leads to thinking and memory problems. Rese…

This study tests whether a drug called butylphthalide, already used for stroke, can improve thinking and memory in older adults (ages 60-85) who have both focal epilepsy and mild to moderate cognitive impairment. About 220 participants will take either the drug or a placebo for 4…

This study tests whether a three-week virtual reality brain-training program, combined with a daily supplement called sodium butyrate, can improve memory and thinking in 160 middle-aged and older adults who have had depression or bipolar disorder but are currently stable. Partici…

This study tests whether a diet rich in fermented foods (like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut) is tolerable and can improve quality of life for people who survived a critical illness, including severe COVID-19. The goal is to help restore gut health and reduce inflammation, which …

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 tests a 6-week exercise program for older adults (ages 65-90) who recently finished home health care and have trouble moving or thinking. Participants will do task-oriented resistance exercises at home with a care partner. The goal is to see if this program is practica…

This study is testing a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to see if it can improve movement and thinking problems in children aged 10-15 who have had a mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. The researchers will use…

This study tests whether adding acupuncture to standard Alzheimer's medication (Donepezil) can improve memory, thinking, and daily living skills. Researchers will compare two groups of 90 patients each over 12 weeks: one group gets acupuncture plus medication, the other gets medi…

This study tests a twice-weekly exercise and coaching program for 50 adults with mild-moderate cognitive impairment. Participants will either join in-person group classes or exercise at home with remote coaching. The goal is to see if the program is practical and enjoyable, and w…

This study tests a video-based program for older adults (65+) with cancer and mild memory issues, along with their spouse or caregiver. Over six sessions, they learn strategies to manage daily challenges. The goal is to see if this approach reduces distress and improves quality o…

This study tests if a 12-week program combining a special diet supplement with online brain exercises can improve memory and thinking in blood cancer survivors. About 80 adults who have mild to moderate thinking problems after treatment will be randomly assigned to either start t…

This study tests whether a 12-week sitting Tai Chi program can improve thinking, arm movement, balance, and mood in people who have had a stroke and still have memory or thinking problems. About 176 participants (88 stroke survivors and their caregivers) will either do the Tai Ch…

This study tests whether virtual cycling—pedaling a stationary bike while watching an interactive film—can boost quality of life for older adults with cognitive impairment living in nursing homes. Researchers will compare changes in mood and behavior between a group that cycles a…

This study tests whether a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with standard cognitive therapy, can improve memory and thinking in people who recently had a stroke. Researchers will enroll 70 adults aged 18-90 who had a stroke within the past mont…

This study tests a therapy called PATH-Pain for 100 older adults with mild memory problems, chronic pain, and depression. The therapy helps people cope with pain and mood issues to improve thinking and daily function. Participants are compared to those receiving usual care.

This study looks at whether playing on a maze balance board can help children aged 6-10 with cognitive impairment improve their walking, balance, and motor skills. Twenty-two children will be split into two groups: one does maze balance board training, the other does standard phy…

This study tests whether metformin, a drug used for diabetes, can help children and teens recover memory and thinking skills after brain tumor treatment. About 140 participants aged 7 to 21 will take metformin or a placebo for 16 weeks. The goal is to see if the drug improves mem…

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 compares doing rehabilitation exercises at home via video (tele-rehabilitation) versus going to a clinic, to see which better improves thinking and memory after a stroke. About 32 adults aged 50-80 who have had a stroke and have mild to moderate thinking problems will …

This study is testing a new job training program that uses virtual reality to help people with schizophrenia improve their job interview skills and manage symptoms. The program is for 40 adults aged 20 to 55 who are motivated to work. Researchers will measure changes in symptoms …

This study tests whether immersive virtual reality exercises can improve thinking skills in people with cancer who have memory and attention problems after chemotherapy. About 60 participants will either do virtual reality activities or continue usual care. The goal is to see if …

This study tests whether mindfulness training can help people with both heart failure and mild memory problems improve their self-care and thinking skills. About 176 adults will take part. The goal is to see if learning to focus on the present moment helps them manage their condi…

This study tests whether a computer brain-training program (Lumosity) can improve memory and thinking in people who have had a stem cell transplant for blood cancer. About 60 survivors, 3 to 6 months after transplant, will either use the program or wait. The goal is to see if the…

This study tests a hearing care program for older adults with Alzheimer's or related dementias who also have hearing loss. The goal is to see if addressing hearing loss can reduce troubling symptoms like agitation and distress, and also ease the burden on caregivers. 300 people a…

This study tests an experimental drug called ALTO-101, given as a skin patch, to see if it can improve cognitive problems like memory and attention in people with schizophrenia. About 82 adults with stable schizophrenia and cognitive impairment will receive both the drug and a pl…

This study is testing whether a wearable robotic exoskeleton can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their walking, memory, and thinking. Ten adults with MS who have moderate to severe walking difficulty and some cognitive problems will use the device during therapy.…

This study tests whether children with sickle cell disease (SCD) can safely take a daily stimulant drug called methylphenidate for 4 weeks to improve attention, thinking, and schoolwork. About 72 children ages 8 to 17 with SCD and thinking or attention problems will take the drug…

This study tests whether a new medicine, Xanomeline/Trospium (XT), can improve thinking and memory in adults with schizophrenia. Current treatments help with hallucinations but not with cognitive problems. The study will follow 171 participants for up to a year, measuring changes…

This study is testing whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique, combined with computer-based brain training games, can help improve memory, focus, and thinking speed in people who have had a minor stroke. Researchers at Johns Hopkins will enroll about 60 stroke …

This study aims to create and test new tools for diagnosing cognitive issues like dementia and psychiatric disorders. Researchers will work with 300 healthy volunteers and patients to develop tests that can be done in person, over the phone, or at the bedside. The goal is to make…

This observational study aims to define a new concept called 'visual frailty' in people aged 60 and older with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers will measure vision, reading ability, mental health, and daily function to see how these factors relate. The…

This study looks at how endocrine therapy, a common breast cancer treatment, affects brain function and thinking skills in survivors. Researchers will compare 120 women aged 35-65 who are on this therapy with healthy women using brain scans and memory tests. The goal is to unders…

This study looks at different tests doctors use to decide if giving fluids will help patients with low blood pressure and impaired consciousness. The goal is to find which tests are most accurate. About 222 adults in intensive care will take part. Results may help doctors make be…

This study looks at whether a web-based platform can be used to deliver therapy for thinking and speech problems in adults who have had a brain injury from a stroke or critical illness. About 80 participants will use the platform instead of paper-based therapy. The main goal is t…

This study looks at brain activity while people perform thinking tasks like memory and attention exercises. Researchers hope to learn how the brain works in conditions like dementia, ADD, and depression. About 30 adults with epilepsy who are already scheduled for brain monitoring…

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 is creating a detailed patient registry for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a common age-related condition that can cause thinking problems and dementia. Researchers will track 50 adults over 50 using brain scans, memory tests, and gut bacteria analysis. The goal…

This study tests a telehealth program called C-READY designed to help teens with sickle cell disease improve thinking skills and learn to manage their own health. About 120 participants aged 10-18 will be randomly assigned to the program or usual care. The goal is to see if the p…

This study looks at whether high-intensity exercise can improve thinking and memory in older adults living with HIV. Researchers will also explore what helps people stick with an exercise routine. The goal is to find better ways to prevent dementia in this group.

This study looks at 65 adults with obstructive sleep apnea to see how three weeks of breathing therapy (ventilotherapy) changes their thinking skills, blood markers linked to brain health, and overall well-being. Participants will take thinking tests, give blood samples, and answ…

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 tests a training program called the Pain Identification and Communication Toolkit (PICT) for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The program teaches caregivers how to notice signs of pain and talk about it with doctors. The study …

This study looks at two types of radiation for a slow-growing brain tumor near important brain areas. Researchers want to see which method causes fewer long-term problems with memory and thinking. About 160 adults aged 18 to 70 will be randomly assigned to proton therapy or moder…

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 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 is looking for signs that the immune system might be attacking the brain in people with new or worsening memory problems. Researchers will test blood from 300 adults aged 40-90 to see if certain immune markers are linked to cognitive decline. The goal is to better unde…

This study looks at why people with narrowed arteries in the brain may have memory and thinking problems. Researchers will follow 100 adults aged 18 to 80 who have severe narrowing in key brain arteries. They will test memory and track strokes or mini-strokes to understand how di…

This study aims to find digital markers of brain energy changes in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's. Researchers will use passive home sensors to measure sleep, movement, and walking speed over 12 weeks. Participants take a daily supplement called nicoti…