RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Co-Production and Evaluation of the Computerised Cognitive Assessment for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease (CoCoA-PAD)

The NHS wants to improve how it diagnoses early Alzheimer's disease (AD) because new treatments can slow its progression. Currently, there are worries that not enough staff are available to carry out the memory and thinking tests needed for early diagnosis, which could cause delays. This study is working with older adults and memory nurses to create and test a new computerised memory and thinking assessment along with training for nurses. The goal is to make it easier and quicker for memory nurses, who are a big part of memory services, to perform these important assessments. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment for patients in the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Plymouth

Enrolment target

120

Start

05 May 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2028

Alzheimer Disease (AD)

What is this study about?

Imagine the NHS is getting ready to use new ways to diagnose Alzheimer's disease at its very first stages. This is exciting because new medicines can help slow the disease down. However, for these new ways to work well, people need to get diagnosed early.

Right now, a key part of diagnosing early Alzheimer's involves special tests that look at someone's memory and thinking skills. There's a concern that the NHS might not have enough staff to do all these tests, which could mean delays for patients. This research wants to tackle this problem by focusing on memory nurses, who are a large and important group of staff in memory clinics.

The main idea is to work directly with older adults and memory nurses to design and test a new computerised memory and thinking assessment. They will also develop special training to help nurses use this new tool effectively. The hope is that by making these assessments easier for nurses to deliver, more people can get timely diagnoses and access to new treatments.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve early Alzheimer's diagnosis in the NHS.
Developing a new computerised memory test and nurse training.
Working with older adults and memory nurses to design the tools.
Could lead to faster, more effective early diagnosis for patients.
Participants will help design and then undergo assessments like brain scans and blood tests.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for older adults, aged 65 or over, who might be noticing changes in their memory but don't have a diagnosis of dementia yet. You would need to have noticed these memory changes within the last five years and speak English as your first language.

There are also some specific requirements about your current memory test scores and background, which the study team would check. It's important that you don't have certain conditions like a previous stroke, severe depression, or other serious neurological illnesses. You'd also need to be able to understand and agree to take part in the research.

The study is designed for two main groups: those who have noticed changes in their memory but whose memory tests are still within the normal range for their age, and those who have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Quick self-check

Are you 65 years old or older?
Have you noticed changes in your memory or thinking in the last 5 years?
Is English your first language?
Do you not have a current diagnosis of dementia?
Do you not have a serious neurological condition like Parkinson's or a recent stroke?
Are you able to understand and consent to taking part in research?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you would first help to design and develop the new computerised memory test and nurse training. After that, you would be asked to complete the new memory assessment. In addition to this, you would have a brain scan and a blood test. The study team will use this information to see how well the new memory assessment works. The total duration of your involvement would be discussed with you by the study team, but it primarily involves helping with design and then undergoing these assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of contributing to better and earlier diagnosis for future Alzheimer's patients in the NHS. You'll be helping to shape a new assessment and nurse training directly. As with any medical study involving tests like blood samples or scans, there are minor risks associated with these procedures. You will be fully informed of these risks before you agree to take part, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your care.

Locations (3)

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Plymouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Research Delivery Team
Exeter, United Kingdom· Recruiting
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is 'preclinical Alzheimer's disease'?

This refers to the very earliest stage of Alzheimer's, where changes are happening in the brain but memory and thinking skills might still seem normal or only slightly affected.

Why is early diagnosis important for Alzheimer's?

Early diagnosis is becoming very important because new treatments are being developed that can help slow down the progression of the disease if given early enough.

What does 'co-design approach' mean in this study?

It means the researchers will work closely with older adults and memory nurses to develop the new memory test and training materials together, making sure they are practical and helpful in real life.

Will I get my test results back if I participate?

The study aims to evaluate the assessment tool, not to provide individual diagnoses. The researchers will discuss with you what information, if any, you can expect to receive.

Will this study give me access to new Alzheimer's treatments?

No, this study is about improving the diagnosis process itself, not about providing new treatments. However, a better diagnosis process could help more people access treatments in the future.

How to find out more

Donnchadh Murphy, D.Clin.Psy

donnchadh.murphy@plymouth.ac.uk +44 1752 585858 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.