NCT07516119 · Prevention Research Consortium Corp.
Predicting Pre-dementia
What this study is about
The goal of this observational study is to learn how well a multimodal "Progression and Risk" (PR) model can predict and stage early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease in cognitively normal or very mildly impaired ApoE4-positive adults aged 55 and older.
View original scientific description
The goal of this observational study is to learn how well a multimodal "Progression and Risk" (PR) model can predict and stage early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease in cognitively normal or very mildly impaired ApoE4-positive adults aged 55 and older. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can a prespecified proteogenomic PR model accurately predict conversion from cognitively normal (CN) or very mildly impaired status to pTau217-positive MCI Stage I within 24 months in ApoE4-positive adults? Does adding digital monitoring features (e.g., sleep, activity, speech), EMR-lifestyle risk scores, and plasma biomarkers to a polygenic risk score (PRS) meaningfully improve risk stratification and time-to-conversion prediction compared with simpler models (e.g., PRS alone or standard clinical risk factors)? If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare performance of the full multimodal PR model (integrating PRS, plasma proteomics and other omics, digital monitoring, and EMR-lifestyle data) with simpler or reduced models (for example, PRS-only, biomarker-only, or models without continuous digital monitoring) to see if the full model provides higher discrimination (AUC/ROC), better calibration, and improved time-to-conversion prediction for CN to pTau217-positive MCI transitions. Participants will: Provide prior genomic data (ApoE genotype and whole-genome sequencing or high-density genotyping array data) for calculation of an ancestry- and sex-normalized Alzheimer's disease PRS and assignment to PRS-based risk strata. Attend an in-person baseline visit and follow-up visits at months 6, 12, 18, and 24 (±2 months) for clinical evaluation, neurocognitive testing (including CDR and digital cognitive batteries), and venous or capillary blood collection for plasma pTau217 and other AD biomarkers, proteomic and methylome panels, and routine safety labs when indicated. Use digital devices (e.g., Oura Ring and smartphone-based tools) for continuous or frequent remote monitoring of sleep, activity, heart rate metrics, mobility/location, and speech-linked digital cognitive tasks, with adherence checks at study visits. Undergo optional or sub-cohort procedures as clinically indicated or as resources allow, such as EEG, retinal hyperspectral imaging, MRI, or amyloid PET, and optionally allow clinically indicated lumbar puncture CSF samples and external clinical data to be shared with the study for exploratory biomarker analyses.
Primary outcome measures
Conversion from Cognitively Normal (CN) pTau217 Negative to pTau217-Positive
Time frame: 0-24 months
Proportion of participants who convert from cognitively normal pTau217 negative status at baseline to pTau217 positive . With plasma pTau217 exceeding a validated cutoff for AD pathology on a clinically validated assay.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age Age 55 years or older at enrollment. APOE Genotype Documented carrier of at least one APOE ε4 allele, based on prior testing (e.g., clinical APOE testing, prior genetic panel, research cohort genotyping, or direct-to-consumer testing). Existing Genomic Data for PRS Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data already completed, with willingness to provide existing WGS data files (e.g., VCF, FASTQ, or equivalent) to the study team for Alzheimer's disease polygenic risk score (PRS) calculation; or If WGS is not available, prior high-density or targeted genotyping array data covering Alzheimer's disease risk loci, with willingness to provide these data for PRS calculation (feasibility of array-based PRS will be evaluated case-by-case). Note: The study does not perform APOE genotyping or WGS as part of the research; these must be completed before enrollment. Cognitive Status at Baseline Cognitively normal or very mildly impaired at baseline, defined by: Digital cognitive assessment and/or Punto Test consistent with a Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of 0 or 0.5. No clinical diagnosis of dementia. For cognitively normal (CN) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) participants, staging by the Progression and Risk (P\&R) model (combining PRS, biomarker, and cognitive data) will be applied for risk stratification. Absence of Baseline AD-MCI by Biomarkers Does not currently qualify for Alzheimer's disease-related MCI (AD-MCI), operationalized as no evidence of MCI with plasma or CSF pTau217 level above a validated cutoff for AD-MCI pathology. Capacity and Participation Ability Able to provide informed consent (with capacity assessments and, where applicable, involvement of a legally authorized representative per institutional policy and IRB approval). Able and willing to comply with study procedures, including clinic visits, cognitive testing, and biospecimen collection. Willingness to Use Digital Monitoring Tools Willing to wear and/or carry digital devices for continuous or frequent monitoring (e.g., smartphone app, wearable sensors such as Oura Ring, sleep device), and to participate in app-based cognitive and speech assessments. Data-Sharing Authorizations Willingness to sign data release authorizations allowing the study to obtain existing genomic data (WGS or array) and relevant electronic medical record (EMR) data needed for risk modeling and outcome adjudication.
Exclusion criteria
- Baseline Dementia Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis of dementia of any cause at baseline. Major Neurological Disorders Affecting Cognition History of major neurological conditions that in the investigator's judgment may confound cognitive assessment or outcomes, such as: Parkinson's disease. Stroke with residual neurological deficits. Epilepsy with frequent seizures. Major Psychiatric Illness Major psychiatric disorders that significantly interfere with participation or data interpretability, such as uncontrolled major depressive disorder or schizophrenia, as judged by the investigator. Serious or Unstable Medical Conditions Uncontrolled systemic medical illness expected to limit life expectancy to less than approximately 3 years, including but not limited to unstable cardiac, hepatic, or renal disease. Recent Investigational or Disease-Modifying AD Treatments Use of investigational drugs or disease-modifying Alzheimer's therapies within 6 months prior to baseline, if such treatments are likely to confound biomarker trajectories or cognitive outcomes. Inability or Unwillingness to Use Required Digital Tools Lack of Required Genomic Documentation or Refusal to Share Data No prior APOE genotype documenting at least one ε4 allele; or No available WGS or suitable genotyping array data; or Refusal to share existing APOE/genomic data and necessary EMR data with the study team. Baseline MCI with Positive pTau217 Vulnerable Populations Not Targeted Children, prisoners, and pregnant individuals are not specifically targeted and will be excluded from enrollment.
Where
- San Diego, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations