Brain 'Firmness' test may spot Alzheimer's early

NCT ID NCT06029114

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Diagnosis Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

Researchers at Mayo Clinic are testing whether measuring brain stiffness with a special MRI scan (magnetic resonance elastography) can serve as a new biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. The study will enroll 450 adults, including healthy volunteers, people with mild cognitive impairment, and those with Alzheimer's. Participants undergo a brain scan that measures tissue stiffness, which may change with disease progression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) scan
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new, non-invasive way to detect Alzheimer's disease earlier using a simple MRI-based scan.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. Brain stiffness may not prove to be a reliable or practical biomarker for routine diagnosis.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALZHEIMER DISEASE HEALTHY MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mayo Clinic Minnesota

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

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