A smart wearable could detect dementia early — before symptoms worsen
NCT ID NCT07780162
First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Sep 03, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study is testing whether a wearable sensor worn on the body can help detect early cognitive decline and monitor how it changes over a year. About 100 adults aged 55 and older, half with mild cognitive impairment and half without, will wear the sensor during daily activities and clinic visits. The goal is to see if the sensor can reliably track physical and speech patterns linked to thinking and memory, which might one day allow for remote monitoring at home.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- PAMSys+ wearable sensor system
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a simple, wearable way to catch cognitive decline early and track it at home, potentially enabling earlier interventions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it won't test a treatment. The sensor's accuracy and long-term feasibility are still uncertain, and results may not apply to all older adults.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Mar 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Adults 55 years or older with mild cognitive impairement, and non-cognitively impaired.
- Ages
-
55 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults age 55 years or older * Ambulatory (able to walk 40 feet with or without walking assistance) * Willing and able to provide informed consent. * Individuals in the cognitive impairment group, should either have a diagnosis of cognitive impairment, a MoCA score of 25 or lower, or be confirmation of cognitive impairment by the Principal Investigator or clinical collaborators based on self-reported memory problems and relevant patient history. Individuals in the non-cognitively impaired group must have a MoCA score of 26 or higher. Exclusion Criteria: * Children and younger adults: We exclude children and younger adults (younger than 55 years old) as dementia and cognitive-motor impairment is anticipated to be lower among those younger than 55. * Immobility or major mobility disorder: We will exclude those who were bedbound or unable to stand or ambulate with or without walking assistance (e.g., cane, walker) that prohibit them from performing the 40-foot walking test needed for the Fried Frailty Criteria. * Pre-existing acute conditions: We will exclude those with acute or unstable conditions (e.g., fractures) that may significantly affect gait and balance, according to the judgement of clinical investigators. In addition, we will exclude those with any significant medical or psychiatric condition that, in the judgment of the investigators, would potentially interfere with the ability to participate in the study. * Medication: Changes in medication regime unrelated to dementia or those taken temporarily that may affect balance and/or gait (e.g., narcotic, anxiety medication) based on judgement of our clinical investigators. * Severe vision, aphasia, or healing problems: We will exclude those with major hearing, aphasia, or visual problems, which may limit their ability to complete patient-reported outcomes, complete the cognitive screening assessments, and may impact Dual Task physical activities. Those with corrected vision or hearing problems (e.g., using prescription glasses, hearing aids, etc.) will be included. * Ongoing treatment: We will exclude those receiving active therapy (e.g., undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy). * Lack of capacity to consent. * Other exclusion criteria include the inability to use telemedicine (e.g., no internet at home, severe visual or hearing problem, lack of caregiver support, etc.); inability or unwillingness to participate in scheduled in clinic visits (e.g., living farther than 30 miles from the clinic, unavailability of caregivers). We will also exclude those with significant cognitive impairment (MoCA score\<16), severe dementia, severe apathy, severe aphasia or speaking problems, severe depression, those who are on hospice care or palliative care, those with severe pain, and with history of drug or alcohol abuse over the last six months. Finally, we will exclude those who are unable to communicate in English or are unlikely to fully comply with the follow-up protocol (e.g., long travel distance).
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UCLA Center for Advanced Surgical & Interventional Technology (CASIT)
Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- A brain zapping and tai chi combo may slow memory decline
- A new curriculum aims to cut medication risks in older adults
- Can a dead probiotic revive aging brains?
- Could a breath test reveal Parkinson's risk?
- Virtual obstacles, real gains: AI and AR join forces to steady aging steps
- A new web tool aims to ease tough tech decisions for dementia families