Clinical trials · California
Dementia clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 36 recruiting dementia studies with a site in California — including Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 2/Phase 3 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06245031Enrolling by invitation
Long-term follow-up of sensory stimulation for Alzheimer's
This is a follow-up study for people who already completed the 12-month Hope Study (CA-0011). It tests long-term safety and effects of a gentle sensory stimulation device (light and sound) for Alzheimer's disease. You will continue using the device at home with a study partner.
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaAges 50–92 - NCT05374278RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
PET scan test for a dementia brain tracer
This early-phase study tests a new PET scan tracer that targets a brain chemical transport system involved in dementia. It aims to see if the tracer can safely and clearly show brain changes, which could help future dementia diagnosis or tracking.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 40–75 - NCT01353430Recruiting
Study of a rare muscle condition linked to Paget bone disease
This study looks at people and families with a rare muscle weakness condition that can be linked with Paget disease of the bone (and sometimes frontotemporal dementia). It aims to better describe how these conditions appear and relate, which can help future research and care.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04141878Recruiting
Lifestyle program to help prevent dementia in adults with diabetes risk
This trial tests a structured lifestyle program (more activity and healthier eating) to help prevent or slow memory and thinking problems. It may be helpful if you’re older but not showing major memory impairment, and you can commit to weekly study activities for about 8 months.
Walnut Creek, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT07600684Recruiting
Smart medication reminder system for people with dementia
This study tests a device that reminds you to take your dementia medications and alerts a trusted caregiver if doses are missed. The goal is to help prevent medication mix-ups and keep you healthier.
Folsom, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT07516119Recruiting
Predicting Alzheimer's Risk Before Memory Loss Occurs
This study identifies people at high risk for Alzheimer's disease before symptoms develop, using genetics and digital tools to track brain health over time. If you qualify, you'll help researchers understand who will develop cognitive decline and potentially enable earlier interventions.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 55 years+ - NCT07284472RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Testing drugs for agitation in Alzheimer's disease
This trial tests two new drugs (EXV-802 and EXV-801) to see if they can safely reduce moderate to severe agitation in people with Alzheimer's dementia. If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's and has been experiencing significant agitation for at least two weeks, this study may be an option.
Murrieta, CaliforniaAges 55–90 - NCT07095465RecruitingPhase 3
Long-term study of ACP-204 for psychosis in Lewy body dementia
This study tests a medication called ACP-204 for psychosis (hallucinations or delusions) in people with Lewy body dementia. It is a long-term extension open to patients who completed a previous ACP-204 study, to see if the drug continues to be helpful and safe.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 55–84 - NCT07029581RecruitingPhase 2
Testing ACP-204 for psychosis in Lewy body dementia
This trial tests a new drug called ACP-204 for people with dementia from Lewy body disease or Parkinson's who also have hallucinations or delusions. The goal is to see if the drug can safely reduce these symptoms without worsening thinking problems.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 55–84 - NCT06747637Recruiting
Spanish-language program for Latino dementia caregivers
This study tests a program designed to support Latino and Hispanic caregivers of people with dementia. It is delivered in Spanish and aims to see if it helps caregivers manage their role and well-being.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–100 - NCT06651567RecruitingPhase 2
Study of a new drug for agitation in Alzheimer's disease
This study tests an experimental medication, ITI-1284, to see if it can safely reduce agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease. Agitation can include restlessness, aggression, or irritability, and this drug aims to help manage those symptoms.
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaAges 55 years+ - NCT06597942RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease
This study tests whether a new type of brain stimulation (called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS) with a larger coil can improve memory and thinking in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It involves multiple sessions of rTMS and MRI scans.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 55–100 - NCT06418971Recruiting
Testing a caregiving support platform for dementia caregivers
This study is testing an online platform called CarePair that helps connect family caregivers of people with dementia to resources and support. It may help caregivers find the assistance they need.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05826457Enrolling by invitation
Study for early RBD as a possible Parkinson’s risk
This study looks at people with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), confirmed by a sleep test, who may be in the early “prodromal” stage before Parkinson’s or related diseases. It also enrolls healthy controls to compare results from brain and body testing to better understand who is at risk.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05704309Enrolling by invitation
Study of diabetes prevention participants using brain scans
This study looks at how people who previously took part in a diabetes prevention program are doing over time, including brain health using MRI scans for some participants. It may help researchers understand who is at higher risk for memory and thinking problems and why.
Alhambra, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT04171323Recruiting
Active mind training to improve thinking and delay dementia
This study tests an “active mind” computer-based program to help improve thinking skills and possibly slow the process toward dementia. You may be randomly assigned to different program options to see which approach works best for your goals.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 55–89 - NCT04363684Recruiting
Study of frontotemporal dementia and related syndromes over time
This study follows people with frontotemporal dementia (FTLD) and related conditions, and collects health and (for some people) body fluid information, to understand how these illnesses change over time. It may help researchers track disease signs and find better ways to measure progression.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05423860Recruiting
HALO prostate study for men with early prostate cancer
This trial studies HALO, a new “human analytics” approach, in men with early-stage prostate cancer. It may help doctors better assess or guide care using MRI and biopsy findings, before or around initial treatment.
Indian Wells, CaliforniaAges 45–90 - NCT07763392Recruiting
Normal cognitive test scores for adults
This study is testing a voice-controlled digital platform to measure normal memory and thinking abilities in healthy adults. By participating, you would help create a baseline of normal scores that doctors can use to compare against when assessing people with thinking problems.
Carlsbad, CaliforniaAges 18–100 - NCT07688213RecruitingPhase 2
Study of an investigational drug for early Alzheimer's disease
This trial tests an investigational injection for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's. It aims to see if the drug can safely slow down memory loss and brain changes.
Oakland, CaliforniaAges 55–85 - NCT07602582RecruitingPhase 3
Donanemab Extension Study for Alzheimer's Disease
This is a follow-up study for people who already completed a previous donanemab trial (AACM). Donanemab is a medication designed to slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease by targeting amyloid buildup in the brain.
Riverside, CaliforniaAges 55 years+ - NCT07550075Recruiting
Support program for Korean American dementia caregivers
This study tests a virtual support program designed specifically for Korean American adults who care for family members with dementia. The program aims to help caregivers manage stress and learn practical caregiving skills through online classes.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06972004Enrolling by invitation
Preventing loss of independence through exercise for veterans
This study tests a gentle exercise program for veterans living in VA community living centers. The program is designed to help residents with memory problems stay independent, move better, and feel better. Staff at the center will be trained to lead the classes.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06860828Enrolling by invitation
Football players and brain health study: DIAGNOSE CTE
This study looks at brain changes in former college and professional football players, people with memory problems, and healthy controls. It aims to learn more about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's disease.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 50 years+
Dementia trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting dementia studies listed above.
- University of Southern California · 3 studies
- Advanced Research Center (ARC) · 2 studies
- ATP Clinical Research Inc. · 2 studies
- Syrentis Clinical Research · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles · 2 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research
What taking part in a dementia study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Dementia trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there dementia clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 36 recruiting dementia studies with a site in California, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a dementia study in California?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a dementia trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New dementia studies open in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.