Could a smartphone app spot early signs of Alzheimer's?
NCT ID NCT07174869
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This observational study tests a mobile app that uses a dynamic difficulty adjustment system to personalize cognitive activities for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease, as well as healthy older adults. The goal is to see if the app can reach a stable difficulty level and whether that level differs between the two groups. Fifty-five participants will use the app for six weeks, and researchers will evaluate its ability to distinguish between those with and without cognitive decline.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a simple app-based tool for early detection or monitoring of cognitive decline.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study (55 people) focused on usability and feasibility, not on treatment or diagnosis. The app may not reliably distinguish between groups in larger, more diverse populations.
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
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32 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Finished
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Jul 2026
- Lead sponsor
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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
Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (BU ADRC)
- Ages
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50 to 90 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Participant is part of BU-ADRC cohort. * Participant is diagnosed with MCI, mild AD, or is classified as HC per BU-ADRC, with available required data for inclusion obtained less than 2 years before the inclusion. * Participant is between 50 and 90 years old, included. * Participant is able to use a smartphone. * Participant has sufficient knowledge of the English language. * Participant is able to and has an intention to follow the study procedures. * Informed Consent as documented by signature. Exclusion Criteria: * Participant has any neurological condition that may be contributing to cognitive impairment (above and beyond that caused by the subject's MCI or AD). * Participant has psychiatric diagnosis or symptoms, (e.g., hallucinations, major depression, or delusions) that could interfere with study procedures. * Participant has a history of stroke or seizures within the last 24 months. * Participant has a Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score ≥8. * Participant has a severe visual or hearing impairment that would interfere with capacity to perform cognitive assessments. * Known or suspected non-compliance.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Boston University School of Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
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