Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

NeuroCare Community Project: A Community Based Prospective Observational Study for Early Alzheimer's Detection in HK

China2,500 participantsStarted 2026-02-01

Plain-language summary

Population aging is reshaping societal dynamics and presents significant global challenges. By 2050, it is projected that 1.6 billion people worldwide will be over the age of 65. Given that aging is the primary risk factor for many common chronic diseases, reducing the burden of age-related illnesses and promoting healthy aging have become critical public health priorities. Notably, Hong Kong has one of the largest proportions of elderly and the highest life expectancy in the world. Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a multifaceted condition influenced by both biological and behavioral factors. There is a paucity of robust, community-based prospective data in ethnic Chinese populations that integrate clinical and cognitive measures with objective biomarkers and neuroimaging, especially at earlier stages such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early AD. This community-based project aims to establish a cohort of elderly in Hong Kong, with longitudinal follow-up for 2-3 years. A key strength of this research is the incorporation of a panel of blood biomarkers, which will provide a less invasive and more affordable screening tool to identify Alzheimer's disease at a much earlier stage in the community. Additionally, through benchmark with MRI and PET imaging gold standard, these biomarkers have the potential to predict the conversion risk 1) from clinically normal to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD dementia); 2) from clinically MCI to Alzheimer's disease (MCI-AD dementia) or remain static; and differentiate non-AD dementia from Alzheimer's disease (dementia-AD). Collectively, these data will facilitate monitoring of aging processes and cognitive decline, help to identify candidate modifiable factors associated with resilience, and generate a de-identified, Chinese-specific resource to advance healthy aging in Hong Kong.

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Mentally capable of providing informed consent, with or without an informant present * Willing and able to undergo blood draw and complete study related assessments; willing to be contacted for follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * Lacks capacity to consent even with an informant present * Refuses or is unable to provide blood samples or complete essential assessments * Currently enrolled in another clinical trial that could interfere with this study * Known illness that prevents longitudinal follow up or uncontrolled medical illness such as neurodevelopmental disorder, neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, central nervous system infection, neuroinflammatory diseases, brain tumor, cerebrovascular diseases, history of major psychiatric illness, history of major head injury with altered consciousness, sexually transmitted disease including HIV and syphilis, visual and auditory disability, history of alcohol dependence, substance use disorder, systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, or malignancy. * Active delirium or evidence of reversible/secondary causes of cognitive impairment (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism) until treated/ stabilized

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Blood biomarker (baseline)

Timeframe: Baseline

Follow up blood biomarker

Timeframe: 24 to 36 months after baseline

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07347574

SponsorHong Kong University of Science and Technology

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2030-12-30

Contact for this trial

Nancy Ip, PhD

+852-23587304 boip@ust.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More AD - Alzheimer's Disease trials