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Understanding Brain Activity in Mood and Memory Conditions

This research study is looking at how brain activity patterns, specifically blood flow and oxygen levels, differ in people with Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Mild Cognitive Impairment (memory problems). It uses a safe, non-invasive tool called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures changes in brain blood flow using light. The study aims to better understand how these conditions affect the brain by comparing these brain activity patterns across different groups and seeing how they relate to the severity of symptoms. You may be able to join if you are 18 or older, can provide consent, and have a confirmed diagnosis of one of these conditions. The study will measure changes in brain oxygen levels at the beginning and again after 60 minutes.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 200 participants to compare brain activity patterns across different diagnostic groups.
What's involved
You would undergo an observational assessment using fNIRS to measure brain blood flow and oxygen levels, and complete clinical assessments.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint measures changes in oxyhemoglobin at baseline and 60 minutes.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06897670

Identifying Cerebral Hemodynamic Patterns in Mood Disorders and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Study

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+Observational
Mayo Clinic
~200 participants
Updated 2026-04-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Observational assessment using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a noninvasive, portable brain imaging tool that measures changes in brain blood flow and oxygen levels.

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Changes in oxyhemoglobin
Measured over Baseline, 60 minutes

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Mild Cognitive Impairment

Explore related trials

Bipolar DisorderMild cognitive disorderUnipolar Depression

NCT06897670

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Mayo Clinic

    Rochester, Minnesotastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Maria I. Lapid, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Mayo Clinic
  • Paul H. Min, Ph.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Mayo Clinic

Who to contact

Sarah M. Williams
[email protected]
507-422-2972
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

18 years and older
Ability to provide written informed consent
Adequate cognitive and language abilities to understand and complete study tasks, including clinical assessments and fNIRS procedures
Confirmed clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Stable psychiatric or cognitive condition, without acute episodes requiring immediate intervention
Healthy control
Major depressive disorder (MDD):
Diagnosis of major depressive disorder, confirmed through clinical evaluation.
No history of bipolar disorder or psychotic symptoms.
Bipolar disorder:
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI):
Pre-existing clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, supported by neuropsychological testing and/or MRI, PET scan data.
No history of major psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Exclusion

Active primary psychotic or substance use disorders (except nicotine dependence) within the past year
Any severe or unstable medical condition that could interfere with participation or data collection
Any active neurological condition (including seizure disorder, traumatic brain injury, stroke) that could affect cognitive functioning or brain imaging results
Inability to comply with study procedures, including cognitive testing, fNIRS assessment, or other assessments required by the protocol
Pregnant women will be excluded due to potential physiological changes that could affect study outcomes
Healthy control
Major depressive disorder (MDD):
Diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Brain stimulation therapy within the past 3 months.
Bipolar disorder:
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI):
Diagnosis of dementia.
Significant cognitive impairment preventing understanding or completion of study tasks.

What this trial measures

  • Changes in oxyhemoglobinBaseline, 60 minutes

    Changes in oxyhemoglobin will be measured with a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device by radiating a near light beam, at two wavelengths of 780nm and 850nm of laser, into the cerebral cortex. Oxyhemoglobin results are reported as a percentage of oxygen-bound hemoglobin compared to the total hemoglobin in the blood.