UK Based Remote Brain Health Clinic (BHC) for Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
This study is testing a new remote clinic in the UK designed for people with mild memory problems (Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI). The goal is to see if this remote approach is practical and helpful for patients. The clinic aims to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis by using special tests, including samples of fluid from around the brain and remote brain activity measurements. This helps doctors tell if changes in memory are likely to lead to dementia, like Alzheimer's. The study also wants to see how this clinic affects care plans and how quickly people get a clear diagnosis. Assessments will be done online or over the phone to make them accessible and fit with current health guidelines.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you or someone you know is experiencing mild memory difficulties or feeling a bit foggy, and doctors think it might be Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This is a stage where memory and thinking skills are a bit lower than expected, but not severe enough to be dementia. This new study is looking at a special clinic, called a Brain Health Clinic, which works remotely. This means you can have assessments and get help from the comfort of your home, using phone calls, video calls, and online tools. The main idea is to make it easier for people in the UK to get a clear and early diagnosis. Knowing more about what's causing memory changes can help doctors plan the best care and support for you.
This clinic uses some really advanced tests that aren't always available in every memory clinic in the UK. These include taking a small sample of fluid from around your brain and spinal cord (called a lumbar puncture), which can show important clues about conditions like Alzheimer's disease. They also use other brain activity tests. By combining these advanced methods with standard memory and thinking tests, all done remotely, the clinic hopes to give a more accurate picture of what's happening. This helps doctors understand if your memory changes are likely to develop into a type of dementia, or if it's something else.
The study wants to find out if this remote clinic works well and if people find it helpful. They're also keen to see if it speeds up the time it takes to get a clear diagnosis and how it influences decisions about your care. The team will be checking in with participants at the start, and then again after 6 and 12 months to see how things are progressing. This research is important because getting an early and accurate diagnosis is a big step towards managing memory problems effectively.
Key takeaways
- This is a study about a new remote clinic for people with mild memory problems.
- It uses advanced tests, including brain fluid analysis and remote assessments, for a clearer diagnosis.
- The goal is to improve early diagnosis and care planning for conditions like early Alzheimer's.
- Participation involves remote assessments and some clinic tests over a year.
- Your involvement could help improve future memory care in the UK.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you generally need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, and be able to speak and understand English well.
The most important thing is that a doctor suspects you have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or very early, mild memory problems, and they need more tests to understand the cause. This could also include people who are simply worried about their memory and want a clearer understanding.
You wouldn't be able to join if you've already been diagnosed with moderate to severe dementia, or if you're not able or willing to give your permission (consent) to take part.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you speak and understand English well?
- Has a doctor suggested you might have mild memory problems (MCI) or early, mild dementia?
- Are you able to agree to take part in a study?
- Have you *not* been diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your journey will start with an initial set of checks. These will be done from your home using phone calls, video calls, or online assessments. These checks include memory tests, mood questionnaires (to see if you're feeling anxious or low), and some questions for a close family member or friend who knows you well. You can complete some questionnaires on your own time before your first appointment. These assessments can be spread out over more than one session if needed.
After these initial checks, if eligible, you'll be invited to have some special tests. These include a lumbar puncture (where a small amount of fluid is taken from around your spinal cord), a saliva sample, and an EEG (which measures brain activity). These tests help doctors understand more about your condition.
You'll be reviewed by the clinic team three times over a year: at the very beginning, then again after 6 months, and finally at 12 months. All the different tests and reviews are part of understanding your condition and how the clinic works.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- King's College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
MCI means you have some memory or thinking problems, but they're not severe enough to be classed as dementia. It's a stage between normal aging and dementia.
What is a 'remote' clinic?
A remote clinic means that most of your appointments and tests will be done from home using technology like phone calls, video calls, or online questionnaires, rather than needing to travel to a hospital or clinic each time.
Why would I have a lumbar puncture?
A lumbar puncture takes a small sample of fluid from around your brain and spinal cord. This fluid can show clues (called 'biomarkers') that help doctors understand if your memory problems are related to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How long will I be involved in the study?
If you join, you'll be followed by the clinic for about one year, with reviews at the start, 6 months, and 12 months.
What if I decide I don't want to continue in the study?
You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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