Dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and daily function, with Alzheimer's disease accounting for about 60-70% of cases. More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia. Until recently, no treatments slowed disease progression — but new drugs targeting amyloid plaques have now been approved, marking a shift in what's possible.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing monoclonal antibodies that clear amyloid and tau proteins from the brain, drugs aimed at inflammation and metabolism, repurposed medications for other brain conditions, and lifestyle interventions combining diet, exercise, and cognitive training. Researchers are also studying blood tests that could detect Alzheimer's years before symptoms appear, potentially enabling earlier treatment.
Amyloid-targeting antibodies
Lecanemab was FDA-approved in 2023 and donanemab in 2024, both showing modest slowing of cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's. Trials continue testing whether these drugs work in earlier stages or with less frequent dosing.
Tau-targeting treatments
Tau tangles correlate more closely with symptoms than amyloid plaques do. Several antibodies and small molecules now in trials aim to reduce tau or prevent its spread between brain cells.
Blood-based biomarkers
Simple blood tests can now detect amyloid and tau with accuracy approaching brain scans. This could enable screening in primary care and enrollment in trials before significant memory loss occurs.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on dementia type, disease stage (often measured by cognitive test scores), biomarker status (amyloid or tau levels), and medical history including cardiovascular conditions.
What types of trials are currently open
- Disease-modifying trials — Testing drugs aimed at slowing Alzheimer's progression, typically in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. Many require biomarker confirmation of amyloid or tau.
- Prevention trials — Studies in people without symptoms but with genetic risk or biomarker evidence of early Alzheimer's. Testing whether intervention before symptoms can delay or prevent dementia.
- Symptom trials — Testing treatments for agitation, sleep problems, depression, or other behavioral symptoms that affect quality of life.
- Vascular dementia trials — Studies of stroke prevention, blood pressure control, and other strategies for dementia caused by impaired blood flow to the brain.
- Lifestyle intervention studies — Testing whether structured programs of exercise, cognitive training, diet, and social engagement can preserve function or delay decline.
Recently added Dementia trials
Development of a Home Test for Measuring Blood P-tau217 in Alzheimer's Disease Using the Tasso Lancet Device
This study compares p-tau217 concentrations in blood collected via the Tasso device versus standard venipuncture in subjects with and without Alzheimer's disease, including a subset with confirmed amyloid pathology.
Moving Yourself in Space and Time: MYSTIC
This study is being done to answer the question: Do people with Parkinson's benefit from a new stepping therapy, and how do people with Parkinson's best learn new steps and rhythms set to music? Researchers will also compare individuals with Parkinson's Disease with people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and with people with neither of these conditions. The purpose of this study is to identify principles of human-music interactions to establish underlying guiding theories for application to music-based rehabilitation for older populations with neurodegenerative disease, leading to more refined and targeted music-based rhythmic movement therapies.
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