Clinical trials · Massachusetts
Dementia clinical trials in Massachusetts
We’re tracking 30 recruiting dementia studies with a site in Massachusetts — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Massachusetts
- 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.
Newton, MassachusettsAges 50–92 - NCT07018726Recruiting
Support for emotional distress in young-onset dementia
This study tests a program to help people with young-onset dementia and their care-partners cope with emotional distress together. It aims to improve well-being for both, using video sessions.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–70 - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 55 years+ - NCT06298474Recruiting
BRAIN App for dementia support
This study is testing a new app (BRAIN App) designed to help people with dementia stay connected and engaged. Researchers want to see if the app can be useful for older adults who can still communicate and have not had a recent fast decline in health.
Winchester, MassachusettsAges 65 years+ - NCT05245903Recruiting
Test a supplement and track brain changes with wearable sensors
This study tests whether taking nicotinamide riboside (a form of niacin) affects early memory changes in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It also uses passive wearable or sensor data (“digital biomarkers”) to measure changes over time.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–89 - NCT06079216Recruiting
Music and connection for older adults
This trial uses music to help older adults in residential care feel more connected. Volunteers will attend music sessions to see if they improve mood and social bonds.
Winchester, MassachusettsAges 18–103 - NCT05950607Recruiting
Nursing home study to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use
This study looks at ways to lower how often antibiotics are used in nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It aims to make antibiotic use more appropriate while monitoring resident outcomes.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 60–106 - NCT05915377Recruiting
Screening for hospital confusion in older adults
This trial is testing practical ways to recognize delirium, a sudden type of hospital confusion, in older patients. It may help your care team spot confusion earlier and respond sooner.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 70 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges Any age - NCT05661084Recruiting
Non-surgery brain stimulation for dementia thinking and movement
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation device (tES) can improve thinking and movement problems in people with dementia. You (and your caregiver, if needed) will be asked to follow the study plan and attend visits so researchers can measure results and safety.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 55 years+ - 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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.
Newton, MassachusettsAges 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.
Newton, MassachusettsAges 55 years+ - NCT06792877Recruiting
Mindfulness for thinking in early Alzheimer's
This study tests if mindfulness training can help protect thinking and memory in early-stage Alzheimer's disease. It compares mindfulness to other activities to see if it slows down memory loss.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 50–100 - NCT06885918Recruiting
ALS Research Collaborative study
This study is a research collaborative that collects information from people with ALS or their families. It aims to better understand the disease and find markers that could help develop treatments.
Watertown, MassachusettsAges 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.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 50 years+ - NCT06821568Recruiting
Home brain stimulation for memory and walking concerns
This study tests if a gentle brain-stimulation device used at home can help older adults who have both memory worries and slower walking. A study partner will help you use the device.
Roslindale, MassachusettsAges 65–90 - NCT06489548RecruitingPhase 2
Foralumab for Early Alzheimer's Disease
This study tests an experimental drug called Foralumab, which aims to calm overactive immune cells in the brain linked to Alzheimer's. It may help slow memory loss in people with early-stage Alzheimer's.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 60–85 - NCT06098612RecruitingEarly Phase 1
PET imaging study for Parkinson's and related disorders
This study uses a new PET scan tracer called [11C]SY08 to take pictures of the brain in people with Parkinson's, multiple system atrophy, or dementia with Lewy bodies. It aims to see if this tracer can help better understand and tell apart these conditions.
Charlestown, MassachusettsAges 50–80 - NCT05336695RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Brain scan study to measure fibrin in Alzheimer’s
This early study (Phase 1/2) uses brain imaging to look for “fibrin” (a blood-clot–related protein) in people with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. The goal is to understand whether fibrin changes can be seen on scans and what it might mean for Alzheimer’s.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 55–90 - NCT06052254RecruitingPhase 2
Skin patch for agitation in Alzheimer's dementia
This trial tests a skin patch that delivers a medicine called dexmedetomidine to help calm agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease. It might be an option for those living in a care facility who have had recent episodes of agitation.
Springfield, MassachusettsAges Any age - NCT06052397Recruiting
Sleep and body clock markers for confusion after surgery
This trial tests whether sleep patterns and body clock signals can help predict confusion after major orthopedic surgery. You would wear a watch that tracks movement to see how your sleep relates to recovery.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 70 years+ - NCT05776641Recruiting
Light and sound training to help prevent Alzheimer’s memory loss
This study tests whether regular “gamma” light and sound stimulation can delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease-related memory decline in people who are currently not showing dementia but are at higher risk. It uses brain testing (MRI and PET) and memory/language tests over about 13 months.
Cambridge, MassachusettsAges 55–90
Dementia trials by city in Massachusetts
Where these studies are running in Massachusetts
Institutions with a site for the recruiting dementia studies listed above.
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 6 studies
- Boston Center for Memory · 2 studies
- Hopeful Aging · 2 studies
- ALS Therapy Development Institute
- Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center
- Boston Center for Memory - Newton- Site Number : 8400007
- Boston University Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC)
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women's Hospital
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 Massachusetts?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 30 recruiting dementia studies with a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
- 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 Massachusetts to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts 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.