Brain imaging to understand different types of dementia

Plain-English translation of NCT05460143 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2025 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers at the University of Cambridge are using a portable brain-imaging device called Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to better understand how different types of dementia affect the brain. This device uses harmless light to measure blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain while you do simple thinking tasks. The study aims to help doctors diagnose dementia more accurately and understand why these diseases happen.

Currently, doctors struggle to tell different types of dementia apart because they share similar symptoms, and many people are misdiagnosed. This trial exists to find objective, measurable differences in how the brain functions across different types of dementia, which could lead to better and earlier diagnosis.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, or mild cognitive impairment (early memory problems), OR you are a healthy adult of similar age
you speak English well enough to understand instructions
if you have dementia or memory problems, a family member or caregiver can attend your study visits with you
you score 26 or higher on a simple memory screening test (or are cognitively normal if healthy)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have severe dementia that prevents you from participating in testing
you have a medical condition that affects metabolism or heart function, such as respiratory or metabolic disorders
you are taking oral steroids or have an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis
you have a significant psychiatric disorder
you have a history of heavy drug or alcohol use

What participation looks like

You will visit the research center where researchers will place a special light-sensing cap on your head to measure brain activity. While wearing this device, you'll complete several thinking tasks like memory tests, attention exercises, and simple physical tasks. The whole visit typically takes a few hours, and you may be asked to return for additional sessions so researchers can use different types of brain imaging.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 13, 2026 · Not medical advice

Brain imaging to understand different types of dementia

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)