New study tests if helping others can spark motivation in dementia patients
NCT ID NCT06735950
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 9 times
Summary
This study tests two simple activities—volunteering inside the assisted living community or joining a current events discussion group—to see if they can reduce apathy in residents with mild to moderate memory problems. About 200 people aged 55 and older will take part for 6 months, with activities three times a week. Researchers will measure changes in mood, activity levels, and feelings of usefulness.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * age 55 years or older; * English speaking; * live in the included AL community * have mild to moderate cognitive impairment based on a SLUMS score of 26 or below and the ability to follow a one-step command. * have apathy based on a "yes" answer to at least 2 questions on the apathy subscale of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) completed by a family or staff member who has had close contact with the resident in the past month; * have an anticipated length of stay of 12 months. Exclusion Criteria: \- refusal to assent
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
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A doctor treating you
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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