Brain 'Firmness' test may spot Alzheimer's early

NCT ID NCT06029114

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic Minnesota

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States