RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Developing a New EEG Method for the Early Diagnosis of Dementia

This research aims to find a new, simpler way to diagnose dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, earlier using a standard brain test called an EEG (electroencephalogram). An EEG records brain activity using small sensors placed on the scalp, much like an ECG for the heart. Researchers will use special computer software to analyse these EEG recordings from people with early Alzheimer's disease and healthy volunteers. The goal is to see if the EEG can pick up early signs of dementia that might help doctors diagnose it sooner. This is a non-invasive study, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or injections, and it's looking into whether this routine test can become a more helpful tool in detecting dementia.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

128

Start

19 Nov 2014

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Dementia

What is this study about?

This research project is all about exploring new ways to spot dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease, as early as possible. Early diagnosis can be very helpful for patients and their families, as it allows for earlier access to support and planning. The team is focusing on a type of brain scan called an EEG (Electroencephalogram). You might have heard of an EEG before; it's a very common and safe test that records the electrical activity of your brain through sensors placed on your scalp. It's like listening to the brain's natural electrical chatter.

Currently, EEGs are used in hospitals for various conditions, but this study wants to see if we can use them more effectively to help diagnose dementia. The researchers have developed new computer software that can look very closely at the patterns in EEG recordings. They believe this software might be able to pick up subtle changes in brain activity that could be early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

To test this idea, they will compare EEG results from people who have been diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease with those from healthy volunteers. They are also comparing the EEG findings with other detailed brain scans (like fMRI scans) that some participants have already had. The main goal is to find out if this new way of looking at EEG results can reliably tell the difference between healthy brains and those affected by early Alzheimer's, making it a valuable tool for future dementia diagnosis.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new way to use a routine brain scan (EEG) for earlier dementia diagnosis.
It involves comparing EEG results from people with early Alzheimer's and healthy volunteers.
The EEG test is non-invasive, painless, and safe.
Participation involves one or two short appointments for an EEG scan.
It won't directly benefit your health but could help future patients.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to have been diagnosed with either probable or possible Alzheimer's disease. The researchers are specifically looking for people in the early stages of the disease, so if your dementia is moderate to severe, you might not be able to participate. They also need people to be able to follow instructions to complete the tests.

They also can't include people who have other significant brain conditions, such as a history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, or epilepsy. If previous brain scans have shown significant changes to the blood vessels in your brain, or if you have severe sight, hearing, speech, or movement problems, you wouldn't be able to join. Similarly, if you have severe mental health issues like severe depression or psychosis, or if you're taking strong sedatives or anti-epilepsy medication, you would not be eligible.

They are also looking for healthy volunteers, often partners of patients or people attending neurology clinics, who would be similar in age to the patient group.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I been diagnosed with probable or possible Alzheimer's disease?
Is my dementia considered 'early stage' (not moderate or severe)?
Do I have any other major brain conditions like stroke, Parkinson's, or epilepsy?
Am I able to follow instructions during the tests?
Am I free from severe mental health issues or certain strong medications?
For healthy volunteers: Am I willing to have an EEG and be similar in age to the patient group?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would have one or two appointments, each lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. During these appointments, you would have an EEG scan. This involves small sensors being gently placed on your scalp using a gel – it's completely painless and non-invasive. You simply sit quietly while the machine records your brain activity.

For some participants, particularly those with Alzheimer's and some healthy volunteers, there will be a repeat EEG scan at a later date. This is to check that the measurements from the EEG are consistent and reliable over time. There are no medications involved in this study, and no follow-up visits beyond the EEG appointments. The team doing the EEG tests are very experienced in working with people of all ages, including those with dementia.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but it could help doctors in the future to diagnose dementia earlier and more effectively for others. The EEG test is very safe, painless, and has no known risks. It's a routine test that many people have every day. You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care. Your decision will always be respected.

Locations (1)

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Sheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an EEG?

An EEG (Electroencephalogram) is a safe and painless test that records the electrical activity of your brain through sensors placed on your scalp. It's a common test, much like an ECG for the heart.

Will I get any medicine during the study?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It's focused on using a brain scan (EEG) to gather information.

How long will I need to be involved?

You will have one or possibly two appointments, each lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours. There are no ongoing commitments after these appointments.

Will this study help me directly?

While this study won't directly change your current health or treatment, the information gathered could help future patients by making dementia diagnosis earlier and more accurate.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, you are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Daniel Blackburn, MBChB, PhD

d.blackburn@shef.ac.uk 01142222267 Official trial record

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