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Home › Conditions › Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Part of Cognitive Dysfunction

74 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Mild Cognitive Impairment

230 trials tracked for Mild Cognitive Impairment: 26 in phase 3 or 4 and 9 with published results. The most-cited published study has 834 citations.

230Trials tracked
26Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
9With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 13 Phase 3 13 Phase 2 47 Phase 1 6 Other / NA 151
  1. Phase 3 Memantine Hydrochloride and Whole-Brain Radiotherapy With or Without Hippocampal Avoidance in Reducing Neurocognitive Decline in Patients With Brain Metastases Completed · 834 cited
  2. Phase 3 The Healthy Patterns Sleep Study Completed · 71 cited
  3. Phase 4 Pioglitazone as a Treatment for Lipid and Glucose Abnormalities In Patients With Schizophrenia Completed · 54 cited
  4. Phase 4 Combination Treatment Study for Memory Impairment and Depression Completed · 53 cited
  5. Phase 4 Preventing Post-Operative Delirium in Patients Undergoing a Pneumonectomy, Esophagectomy or Thoracotomy Completed · 46 cited
  6. Phase 3 Rivastigmine Patch in Veterans With Cognitive Impairment Following TBI Completed · 15 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 4 Lithium As a Treatment to Prevent Impairment of Cognition in Elders Completed · 8 cited
  2. Phase 4 Olfactory Deficits and Donepezil Treatment in Cognitively Impaired Elderly Completed · 8 cited
  3. Phase 3 Brain and Gut Plasticity in Mild TBI or Post-acute COVID Syndrome Following Growth Hormone Therapy Completed · 6 cited
  4. Phase 4 Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease Completed
  5. Phase 4 Olfactory Deficits in MCI as Predictor of Improved Cognition on Donepezil Completed
  6. Phase 4 Phenytoin for Memory Impairment Secondary to Megestrol Completed
  7. Phase 4 Genomic Outcomes of Metformin Completed
  8. Phase 4 IMProving Executive Function Study Completed
  9. Phase 4 Thermoregulation and Cognition During Cool Ambient Exposure in Tetraplegia Completed
  10. Phase 4 Body Temperature in Persons With Tetraplegia When Exposed to Cold Completed
  11. Phase 4 A 28-Week Open Label Extension Study Evaluating Safety and Tolerability of Donepezil Hydrochloride in Subjects With Mild Cognitive Impairment Completed
  12. Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety of MMH-MAP in the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Early Recovery Stage After Ischemic Stroke Completed
  13. Phase 3 Renew NCP-5 for the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Mild Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type Completed
  14. Phase 3 Study of AGB101 in Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease Completed
  15. Phase 3 A Phase II Trial of Florbetapir (18F) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging in Japan of Healthy Volunteers, Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Patients With Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Completed
  16. Phase 3 Assess the Prognostic Usefulness of Flutemetamol (18F) Injection for Identifying Subjects With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Who Will Convert to Clinically Probable Alzheimer's Disease Completed
  17. Phase 3 Memantine Plus Es-citalopram in Elderly Depressed Patients With Cognitive Impairment Completed
  18. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety Study of Shenwu Capsule Completed
  19. Phase 3 Hormone and Information Processing Study Completed
  20. Phase 3 Effectiveness of an Electronic Training Program for Orienting and Interpreting [18F]Flutemetamol Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Images Completed
  21. Phase 2 A Trial to Evaluate the Effects of BCG in Adults With MCI and Mild-to-Moderate AD Completed
  22. Phase 2 A Study of CST-2032 and CST-107 in Subjects With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Dementia Due to Parkinson's or Alzheimer's Disease Completed
  23. Phase 2 A Longitudinal Evaluation of a Radiotracer for Use in Tau Tracking Completed
  24. Phase 2 Cognitive Remediation and Work Therapy in the Initial Phase of Substance Abuse Treatment Completed
  25. Phase 2 The Antihypertensives and Vascular, Endothelial and Cognitive Function Trial Completed
  26. Phase 2 NAD Therapy for Improving Memory and Brain Blood Flow in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment Completed
  27. Phase 2 A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of Tau Targeted Vaccines in Participants With Early Alzheimer's Disease Completed
  28. Phase 2 Nicotinamide as an Early Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Completed
  29. Phase 2 Interleaved TMS-fMRI for Hippocampal Stimulation: Modeling Dose-Response Relationship in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Completed
  30. Phase 2 Candesartan's Effects on Alzheimer's Disease And Related Biomarkers Completed
  31. Phase 2 Low-Dose Ibuprofen in Improving Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Cancer Completed
  32. Phase 2 Study of Nasal Insulin to Fight Forgetfulness - Device Study Completed
  33. Phase 2 Minocycline in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease Completed
  34. Phase 2 CAndesartan vs LIsinopril Effects on the BRain Completed
  35. Phase 2 Nicotine Treatment of Cognitive Decline in Down Syndrome Completed
  36. Phase 2 Pioglitazone Or Exercise to Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Completed
  37. Phase 2 Maximizing trEatment of Neurological Dysfunction Using INtravenous Guanfacine Study Completed
  38. Phase 2 Gulf War Illness Inflammation Reduction Trial Completed
  39. Phase 2 SNIFF Multi-Device Study 2 Completed
  40. Phase 2 Effects of Atomoxetine in Mild Cognitive Impairment Completed
  41. Phase 2 Effect of EGb761® on Brain Glucose Metabolism in Three Groups of Elderly Defined by Cognitive Functions Completed
  42. Phase 2 Study of Nasal Insulin to Fight Forgetfulness - Long-acting Insulin Detemir - 120 Days (SL120) Completed
  43. Phase 2 SNIFF - Combo INI+EMPA Trial Completed
  44. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy Study of Ladostigil in Mild to Moderate Probable Alzheimer's Disease Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 230 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Mild Cognitive Impairment: what the trials found

Pharmacological management of conditions associated with cognitive impairment includes the use of Donepezil, which has been evaluated for its impact on Selective Reminding Test (SRT) scores over time [20, 22]. Additionally, low-dose Haloperidol has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of days patients experience delirium 21.

Pioglitazone was evaluated for metabolic markers; results showed mixed changes in serum triglycerides, HDL, and glucose levels at three months 19.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Time-restricted eating was associated with significant improvements in Memory Composite Rank (p<0.001), Executive Function Composite Rank (p=0.017), and Metabolic Function Composite Rank (p=0.048) 9.
  • The OneClick Social Engagement Intervention significantly improved measures of social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life in patients 18.
  • A Telerehabilitation physical activity behavioral (TPAB) intervention resulted in significant changes in average daily steps (p=0.04) 6.
  • Referral for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy was associated with a statistically significant reduction in cognitive impairment (p<0.05), though acceptance and completion rates varied 10.
  • Several other interventions are currently being investigated, including Valacyclovir hydrochloride 2, Tesamorelin 3, a computer-based multimodal mind and body approach 4, STEPS-CI 5, Computerized Cognitive Remediation of Executive Functioning 7, Brain Health Academy 8, SimpleC Wellness Platform with Social Robot Interaction 11, PEP 12, Intensive Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Program (IAREP) 13, Patient Priorities Care 14, PlanYourLifespan.org 15, PET Biomarker Disclosure 16, and HD-tDCS combined with CT 17.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Donepezil is established as a treatment option for improving cognitive scores in relevant populations [20, 22].
  • Low-dose Haloperidol may be utilized to reduce the duration of delirium 21.
  • Time-restricted eating has shown statistically significant improvements across memory, executive function, and metabolic markers 9.

AI synthesis of 19 cited trials, updated Jun 23, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Pain assessment guidelines for cognitively impaired older adults lack practical detail
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Sys. Review
Pain assessment guidelines for cognitively impaired older adults lack practical detail Pain guidelines for dementia patients lack practical advice
This scoping review mapped pain assessment guidelines for hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment. No Australian guidelines were…
A review finds most pain assessment guidelines for older adults with dementia offer little practical help for hospital staff.
Frontiers Jul 29, 2026
Network meta-analysis protocol aims to rank structured exercise interventions for fall prevention in dementia
Rheumatology Meta-analysis
Network meta-analysis protocol aims to rank structured exercise interventions for fall prevention in dementia Exercise Programs May Help Prevent Falls in Seniors with Dementia
This is a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis regarding structured exercise interventions for older adults with mild …
A planned review aims to determine which types of structured exercise best help older adults with memory loss stay safe and avoid falling.
Frontiers Jul 24, 2026
Bibliometric analysis identifies growing research trends and key hubs for short-chain fatty acids in cognitive impairment
Neurology Sys. Review
Bibliometric analysis identifies growing research trends and key hubs for short-chain fatty acids in cognitive impairment Mapping the Growing Research on Gut Health and Memory Loss Diseases
This systematic review provides a bibliometric analysis of 425 WoSCC and 514 Scopus records regarding short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and co…
Scientists are tracking how gut-related compounds might help brain health. This review maps out years of research into these important links…
Frontiers Jul 19, 2026
Multidomain lifestyle interventions provide small but statistically significant benefits for global cognition scores
Neurology Meta-analysis
Multidomain lifestyle interventions provide small but statistically significant benefits for global cognition scores Multidomain lifestyle changes may help slow signs of dementia
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 23209 participants found that multidomain lifestyle interventions (three or mor…
Combining multiple lifestyle habits like diet and exercise can lead to small but steady improvements in brain health for those at risk of de…
medRxiv Jul 16, 2026
Sarcopenia is associated with 2.30 higher odds of cognitive impairment in Latin American adults
Geriatrics & Aging Meta-analysis
Sarcopenia is associated with 2.30 higher odds of cognitive impairment in Latin American adults Sarcopenia Linked to Higher Risk of Cognitive Impairment
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 studies involving 13,395 community-dwelling adults in Latin America found that sarcopenia is s…
A large review of data from Latin America shows that muscle loss in older adults is linked to a much higher risk of cognitive impairment.
Jul 6, 2026
EEG microstate duration and occurrence rates differ significantly between Alzheimer's patients and healthy controls
Neurology Meta-analysis
EEG microstate duration and occurrence rates differ significantly between Alzheimer's patients and healthy controls Brain wave patterns show differences in Alzheimer's and memory loss
This meta-analysis of 16 studies evaluated EEG microstate parameters in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment…
New analysis shows specific brain wave patterns change as memory fades, offering a new way to look at how the brain handles information.
Jul 1, 2026
Meta Analysis Evaluating Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Cognitive Enhancement
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Meta-analysis
Meta Analysis Evaluating Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Cognitive Enhancement Vagus nerve stimulation shows link to improved cognitive performance
New evidence suggests taVNS significantly improves executive functions and cognitive flexibility across diverse patient populations.
A large review of studies suggests that ear-based vagus nerve stimulation may improve memory, focus, and emotional regulation.
Jun 25, 2026
Specific exercise modalities provide significant improvements to cognitive function in older adults and those with MCI
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Specific exercise modalities provide significant improvements to cognitive function in older adults and those with MCI Different Exercise Types Show Benefits for Cognitive Function in Seniors
This network meta-analysis of 1,316 participants evaluates the effects of various exercise types on cognitive function. The analysis indicat…
Specific types of exercise, including strength and aerobic training, show promising links to improved cognitive function in older adults.
Frontiers Jun 24, 2026
Combined exercise and diet modestly improves cognition in mild cognitive impairment
Physical Medicine & Rehab Meta-analysis
Combined exercise and diet modestly improves cognition in mild cognitive impairment Combined exercise and diet plans may help slow thinking problems in older adults with mild memory issues
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 4013 healthy older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment found that combined exercise a…
A large review of over 4,000 people found that mixing exercise with healthy eating might improve overall brain function. However, specific s…
Jun 6, 2026
Acupuncture Boosts Cognition in Alzheimer's and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Neurology Meta-analysis
Acupuncture Boosts Cognition in Alzheimer's and Mild Cognitive Impairment Meta-analysis shows acupuncture improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment
A meta-analysis of 3362 patients finds acupuncture, alone or with Western medicine, significantly improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's…
A large analysis of 3,362 patients suggests acupuncture may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment,…
Jun 4, 2026
VR and music therapy alleviate anxiety, chronic pain, and cognitive impairment in diverse patients
Psychiatry Sys. Review
VR and music therapy alleviate anxiety, chronic pain, and cognitive impairment in diverse patients Virtual reality and music therapy ease anxiety, pain, and brain fog
A scoping review of 34 articles found that integrating Virtual Reality and Music Therapy significantly alleviates symptoms of anxiety, chron…
A review of 34 studies finds VR combined with music therapy significantly reduces anxiety, chronic pain, and cognitive impairment.
Frontiers Jun 3, 2026
SLE linked to 53% higher odds of cognitive impairment in meta-analysis of 7 million
Rheumatology Meta-analysis
SLE linked to 53% higher odds of cognitive impairment in meta-analysis of 7 million Lupus linked to higher risk of cognitive decline
This meta-analysis of 7 observational studies involving over 7 million participants found that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is signifi…
People with lupus may face 53% higher odds of cognitive impairment, a large analysis finds.
Frontiers Jun 3, 2026

Research across Cognitive Dysfunction

Related studies from across the Cognitive Dysfunction family.

Gastrodin, intranasal insulin, and cognitive training show greatest preventive effectiveness for postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery
Neurology Meta-analysis
Gastrodin, intranasal insulin, and cognitive training show greatest preventive effectiveness for postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery Insulin, Gastrodin, and Training May Protect Brain After Heart Surgery
A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of 46 RCTs (9,928 patients) ranked 20 strategies for preventing postoperative cogniti…
A review of 46 trials suggests certain drugs and cognitive training may help prevent confusion and memory loss after cardiac surgery.
Frontiers Jul 26, 2026
Shenmai and Shenfu injections may reduce postoperative cognitive dysfunction incidence following surgical procedures
Drug Pipeline Meta-analysis
Shenmai and Shenfu injections may reduce postoperative cognitive dysfunction incidence following surgical procedures Two injections may help patients recover mental clarity after surgery
This meta-analysis of 16 RCTs involving 1,199 patients indicates that Shenmai and Shenfu injections are associated with higher MMSE scores a…
New data suggests that Shenmai and Shenfu injections could help patients regain mental clarity and awareness more quickly after undergoing s…
Frontiers Jul 25, 2026
Natural compounds may alleviate anesthesia induced cognitive dysfunction through multi-target regulatory mechanisms
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Natural compounds may alleviate anesthesia induced cognitive dysfunction through multi-target regulatory mechanisms Natural Compounds May Help Protect Brains After Anesthesia
This systematic review evaluates 16 natural compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols, regarding their role in mitigating anesthetic-i…
Certain natural compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols may help protect brain function from damage caused by inhalational anesthetics.
Frontiers Jul 25, 2026
Neuroinflammation as an interconnected network process regulates synaptic integrity and neuronal survival in cognitive aging
Geriatrics & Aging Sys. Review
Neuroinflammation as an interconnected network process regulates synaptic integrity and neuronal survival in cognitive aging Neuroinflammation as a Network Process in Cognitive Decline
This mini-review explores neuroinflammation as a complex, interconnected network process influencing brain health. The authors synthesize ho…
A new mini-review suggests neuroinflammation acts as an interconnected network that can either protect or harm the brain, influencing cognit…
Frontiers Jul 24, 2026
Food insecurity linked to poorer diet and higher obesity risk in older adults
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Food insecurity linked to poorer diet and higher obesity risk in older adults Food Insecurity Linked to Poorer Diet and Obesity in Older Adults
This narrative review synthesizes evidence linking food insecurity and financial hardship to poorer diet quality and higher odds of overweig…
Older adults facing food insecurity eat worse and are more likely to be obese, a review finds.
Frontiers Jun 8, 2026
Younger US men show sharp loneliness increase, older men stable, systematic review finds
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Younger US men show sharp loneliness increase, older men stable, systematic review finds Loneliness Linked To Health Risks In Men Across The United States
This systematic review of 30 core studies on US men found no widespread epidemic of loneliness, but younger men (ages 18–29) show a sharp in…
A review of 30 studies finds loneliness in men is linked to depression, heart disease, and higher mortality, with younger men facing a sharp…
Frontiers Jun 3, 2026
Review of ferroptosis role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older surgical patients
Neurology Sys. Review
Review of ferroptosis role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older surgical patients Aging and surgery may trigger brain cell death in older patients
This narrative review examines the potential role of ferroptosis in postoperative cognitive dysfunction among older surgical patients. The a…
A review suggests aging and surgery might trigger brain cell death in older patients, but scientists are not sure if this process causes the…
Frontiers May 23, 2026
Preoperative psychological factors are associated with postoperative cognitive outcomes in older adults
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Preoperative psychological factors are associated with postoperative cognitive outcomes in older adults Psychological factors linked to cognitive issues after surgery in older adults
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined preoperative psychological factors in older adults aged 60 years or older.
A large review links preoperative anxiety and stress to worse cognitive outcomes after surgery for older patients.
May 1, 2026
Meta-analysis finds 24% incidence of cognitive dysfunction after pediatric liver transplant
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis finds 24% incidence of cognitive dysfunction after pediatric liver transplant Nearly 1 in 4 kids face thinking problems after liver transplant
This meta-analysis of 7494 children after liver transplantation reports a pooled incidence of cognitive dysfunction of 24% (95% CI: 19.0%-30…
One in four children develops thinking problems after a liver transplant, with infants facing the highest risk.
May 1, 2026
Framingham cohort links longitudinal brain atrophy patterns to cognitive decline and AD biomarkers in community-based participants
Neurology Cohort
Framingham cohort links longitudinal brain atrophy patterns to cognitive decline and AD biomarkers in community-based participants Brain shrinkage patterns predict Alzheimer's risk in older adults
This community-based cohort study of 300 participants from the Framingham Heart Study analyzed longitudinal brain atrophy patterns using MRI…
A study of 300 older adults found specific brain shrinkage patterns that strongly predict Alzheimer's disease and worse thinking skills.
medRxiv Apr 30, 2026
Living alone not linked to incident dementia but associated with higher institutionalization risk in a cohort of 2,269 individuals
Geriatrics & Aging Cohort
Living alone not linked to incident dementia but associated with higher institutionalization risk in a cohort of 2,269 individuals Living Alone Does Not Raise Dementia Risk But Increases Care Needs
This French clinic-based cohort study followed 2,269 individuals with cognitive complaints or mild cognitive impairment for a median of 5 ye…
Living alone does not increase dementia risk, but it does raise the chance of needing nursing home care later.
Frontiers Apr 28, 2026
Bibliometric review of anesthesia-associated postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients from 2000 to 2024
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Meta-analysis
Bibliometric review of anesthesia-associated postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients from 2000 to 2024 Why Your Brain Fog After Surgery Might Start in Your Gut
This bibliometric review analyzed 923 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed database regarding anesthesia-as…
Understanding how surgery and anesthesia trigger brain inflammation could lead to new ways to prevent memory loss after operations.
Frontiers Apr 24, 2026

Questions about Mild Cognitive Impairment

Does losing the sense of smell mean mild cognitive impairment will become dementia?

Losing your sense of smell is a warning sign that mild cognitive impairment may progress to dementia, but it does not guarantee it will happen.

Full answer →
Can brain shrinkage patterns predict when mild cognitive impairment turns into Alzheimer's disease?

Yes, specific brain shrinkage patterns, especially in the precuneus and fusiform gyrus, can help predict progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease, but more research is needed.

Full answer →
Is replacing plasma with young donor blood safe for people with mild cognitive impairment?

A small pilot study found that replacing plasma with young donor blood is feasible and appears safe in the short term for people with mild cognitive impairment, but larger, longer-term studies are needed.

Full answer →
Does type 2 diabetes affect psychological health and cognitive impairment?

Yes, type 2 diabetes is linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, partly through the gut-brain axis and metabolic effects.

Full answer →

All Mild Cognitive Impairment Articles