This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of community-based early detection and targeted interventions, including stem cell therapy and wearable non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) devices, for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in adults aged 55 years and older residing in U.S. urban and suburban communities. Primary objectives include assessing improvements in MCI detection rates, cognitive outcomes, and progression delay compared to standard care.
Study Objectives The primary goal of this investigation is to assess the effectiveness of early MCI detection via community-based screening and subsequent interventions using stem cell therapy and wearable BCI devices. Specific research questions include: Does community-based screening enhance early detection rates and diagnostic accuracy of MCI relative to conventional clinical practices? Do wellness care interventions post-MCI screening improve cognitive outcomes and delay progression to cognitive decline? What are the epidemiological characteristics and distribution patterns of MCI occurrence in the target population? Study Design This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) designed to minimize bias and ensure methodological rigor. Eligible participants will be identified through standardized cognitive screening (e.g., Montreal Cognitive Assessment \[MoCA\]) administered at community facilities and healthcare clinics. Inclusion criteria encompass adults aged ≥55 years with suspected or confirmed MCI, residing in U.S. urban or suburban areas, without contraindications to interventions. Exclusion criteria include severe dementia, active neurological disorders, or inability to provide informed consent. Participants will be randomized to one of four parallel arms using a computer-generated sequence with stratified block randomization to balance covariates such as age, baseline MCI severity (e.g., MoCA score), and comorbidities. Allocation concealment will be maintained via sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes managed by an independent data coordinating center. The intervention arms are defined as follows: Arm 1 (Control): No active intervention; placebo procedures (e.g., saline infusions or sham devices) will be implemented to preserve blinding where applicable. Arm 2 (Wellness Care): Structured wellness programs comprising cognitive training exercises and lifestyle counseling (e.g., diet, exercise, and sleep optimization), with sham components for blinding if required. Arm 3 (Stem Cell Therapy): Administration of autologous or allogeneic stem cells via intravenous or targeted routes, with placebo saline infusions provided to non-stem cell arms. Arm 4 (Wearable BCI Device Therapy): Use of an active non-invasive BCI device for neurofeedback training, with sham (non-functional) devices distributed to other arms. Double-blinding will be achieved by ensuring that neither participants nor outcome assessors (e.g., neuropsychologists) are aware of group assignments. Intervention delivery will be handled by a separate team from the assessment personnel to prevent unblinding. Follow-up evaluations will include periodic cognitive assessments (e.g., MoCA, comprehensive neuropsychological batteries) at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total duration of 5 years. These will monitor trajectories in cognitive function, MCI progression rates, and secondary endpoints such as quality of life (e.g., via SF-36 questionnaire), neuroimaging biomarkers (e.g., MRI volumetric changes), and biochemical markers (e.g., CSF amyloid-beta levels). Statistical analysis will adhere to intention-to-treat principles. Inter-group comparisons will employ analysis of variance (ANOVA) or linear mixed-effects models for repeated measures, with adjustments for multiple comparisons (e.g., Bonferroni correction) and covariates. Survival analysis (e.g., Kaplan-Meier curves) will evaluate time-to-event outcomes, such as progression to dementia. Power calculations assume a sample size sufficient to detect a 20% difference in cognitive decline rates with 80% power and α=0.05. This design facilitates an unbiased assessment of intervention efficacy in mitigating or reversing MCI progression, with potential implications for public health strategies in aging populations. Last updated: October 03, 2025
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
600
Participants engage in structured wellness programs, including cognitive training exercises (e.g., memory games, problem-solving tasks) and lifestyle counseling focused on diet, physical exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management. Sham elements may be included for blinding consistency.
Participants use an active non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) device for neurofeedback training, designed to enhance cognitive function through real-time brain activity monitoring and modulation. Sham (non-functional) devices are provided to other arms for blinding.
Participants receive administration of autologous or allogeneic stem cells through intravenous or targeted delivery methods aimed at neuroregeneration. Placebo saline infusions are used in other arms to preserve blinding.
Participants receive no active treatment. To maintain blinding, they undergo placebo procedures, such as saline infusions mimicking stem cell therapy or sham (non-functional) devices simulating BCI therapy.
First Presbyterian Church
Palisades Park, New Jersey, United States
Change in Cognitive Function as Measured by MoCA Score
The primary endpoint is the mean change from baseline in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total score, assessing domains such as memory, attention, language, and executive function. A clinically meaningful improvement is defined as an increase of ≥3 points, while decline indicates progression. This measure evaluates the efficacy of interventions in stabilizing or enhancing cognitive performance.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and annually up to 5 years.
Rate of Progression to Dementia
Proportion of participants progressing from MCI to dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease or other forms), diagnosed via DSM-5 criteria and confirmed by neuropsychological evaluation. This assesses intervention effectiveness in delaying or preventing cognitive decline.
Time frame: Assessed annually over 5 years.
Improvement in Neuropsychological Battery Scores
Changes in composite scores from a standardized neuropsychological test battery (e.g., including Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test for memory, Trail Making Test for executive function, and Boston Naming Test for language). This provides detailed insights into specific cognitive domain improvements.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and annually up to 5 years.
Change in Quality of Life
Assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, focusing on physical and mental health components. This evaluates the broader impact of interventions on daily functioning and well-being.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and annually up to 5 years.
Early Detection Rate via Community Screening
Proportion of MCI cases identified through community-based MoCA screening compared to historical rates from standard clinical practices in similar populations.
Time frame: Enrollment phase (pre-randomization).
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