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HealthyNCT04869111

The BrainHealth Project

A study testing BrainHealth App-Based Program in people with Healthy, run by The University of Texas at Dallas at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The BrainHealth Project is a longitudinal study designed to identify factors associated with brain health and cognitive performance across the lifespan. Participants complete online assessments approximately twice per year to measure changes in cognitive, behavioral, and lifestyle-related domains. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 110 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Healthy
What is being tested?
BrainHealth App-Based Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
100,000 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
1 Aug 2020to 1 Aug 2038
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 110 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • English-speaking
  • Access to an internet connect and device
  • Able to read information and hear sounds

Who cannot join

  • Diagnosed neurodegenerative disease
  • History of stroke, concussion, or brain injury that currently hinders you from functioning at your prior level
  • Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and not functioning independently
  • For an overview of the study and LINK TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • The Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas

    Dallas, Texas, 75235

    Erin Venza, MS, 9728833208, brainhealthproject@utdallas.edu

    Margaret Chaplin, MA, (972) 883-3347, brainhealthproject@utdallas.edu

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: The BrainHealth Project, a Longitudinal Study in Generally Healthy Adults

The BrainHealth Project is a longitudinal study designed to identify factors associated with brain health and cognitive performance across the lifespan. Participants complete online assessments approximately twice per year to measure changes in cognitive, behavioral, and lifestyle-related domains.

Between assessments, participants have access to digital training modules, educational resources, and optional coaching sessions. A subset of participants may be invited to participate in additional components, including neuroimaging.

For an overview of the study and link TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/

Read the detailed description

Description of Study:

The BrainHealth Project is a longitudinal study designed to examine factors associated with brain health, including both maintenance and changes in cognitive function across the lifespan. Additionally, researchers aim to identify more personalized practices for promoting brain health.

The study design is informed by prior longitudinal research, namely the Framingham study, demonstrating the value of large-scale, repeated assessments in identifying modifiable factors associated with health outcomes. The goal of this study is to characterize determinants of brain health and support future research on prevention and intervention strategies.

Participants complete online assessments approximately twice per year to measure changes in cognitive performance and related domains over time. Between assessment time points, participants may engage in digital training modules, educational resources, and optional coaching sessions.

Assessments:

BrainHealth Index (~70 min) - An online battery of cognitive measures and questionnaires. The Clarity section looks at complex thinking capacities such as reasoning, flexibility and strategy. In this section, you will be asked to complete different cognitive tasks. The questionnaires measure other aspects of life that relate to brain health, such as emotional well-being, quality of life, happiness, social support systems, and sleep. In this section, you will rate these aspects of your own life. Participants will also complete a 5 minute assessment with BrainHQ to measure processing speed.

The small group of participants who are invited to complete the brain imaging portion of the study will undergo annual brain imaging and will also complete brain gauge (in-person computer assessment). We will offer participants additional sub-studies, and they will have the opportunity to participate or not.

Additional and Exploratory Assessments:

Participants may be invited to complete additional optional surveys or behavioral tasks administered online to further characterize brain health and related behavioral, lifestyle, and biological domains. These additional assessments are exploratory in nature and are not designated as primary or secondary outcome measures.

Online Trainings, habits, and resources:

Trainings can be accessed through the online dashboard and include videos, exercises, and application opportunities. Trainings include strategies to efficiently manage complex information by abstracting its essential meaning rather than attempting to memorize Training will also include strategies for stress management and healthy sleep routines, as well as other brain health education and resources. Most trainings are no more than 10 minutes a day.

Online Coaching:

Online coaching sessions will be offered to participants. Participants can elect to take advantage of this offer to the extent they chose.

For an overview of the study and LINK TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/

Conditions
Healthy
Being tested
BrainHealth App-Based Program

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • BrainHealth App-Based ProgramBehavioural

    Participants will engage in a BrainHealth app-based program tailored for this study. The program includes ongoing microlearning modules focused on supporting brain health through evidence-informed approaches, such as thinking strategies, cognitive exercises, lifestyle practices, stress management techniques, and other brain-healthy behaviors.

    Participants can access educational resources on the broad topic of brain health and can utilize tools to support habit formation. Participants can complete (optional) coaching calls designed to support goal setting, accountability, and application of concepts learned through the program.

Study groups in NCT04869111
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
BrainHealth Intervention ProtocolExperimentalParticipants will engage in a BrainHealth app-based program tailored for this study. The program includes ongoing microlearning modules focused on supporting brain health through evidence-informed approaches, such as thinking strategies, cognitive exercises, lifestyle practices, stress management techniques, and other brain-healthy behaviors. Participants can access educational resources on the broad topic of brain health and can utilize tools to support habit formation. Participants can complete (optional) coaching calls designed to support goal setting, accountability, and application of concepts learned through the program.
Receives: Behavioral: BrainHealth App-Based Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. BrainHealth Index (BHI)

    Longitudinal change in overall brain health as measured by the BrainHealth Index (BHI), a multidimensional assessment that integrates cognitive performance, social-emotional functioning, well-being, purpose, and lifestyle-related factors. Analyses will evaluate changes in BHI scores (composite and factors) over time. Higher scores indicate better brain health.

    Measured: Every 6 months until end of study

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Neural and Physiological Markers of Brain Health

    For the subset of participants completing in-person study visits, we will measure longitudinal change in neural and physiological markers of brain health, including neuroimaging-derived measures (e.g., cerebral blood flow, functional connectivity, and diffusion metrics) and physiological indicators (e.g., heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and physical activity measured through wearable devices). Relationships between these markers and BrainHealth Index scores will be evaluated over time.

    This outcome includes multiple measures with differing scales and interpretations; therefore, the meaning of higher or lower values depends on the specific marker being evaluated.

    Measured: baseline, 6 months, then annually until study end

  2. Engagement in Intervention

    Participant engagement with study intervention will be measured through training completion, coaching participation, and overall app utilization. Higher values generally indicate greater engagement with the intervention. Associations between engagement metrics and longitudinal changes in brain health outcomes will be evaluated throughout the study.

    Measured: From enrollment through study completion

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 May 2021
  2. Study start1 Aug 2020
  3. Primary completion1 Aug 2038 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Aug 2038 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
100,000 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04869111
Sponsor's protocol ID
23-745
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
27 Apr 2021
Last updated
23 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Chapman SB, Aslan S, Spence JS, Hart JJ Jr, Bartz EK, Didehbani N, Keebler MW, Gardner CM, Strain JF, DeFina LF, Lu H. Neural mechanisms of brain plasticity with complex cognitive training in healthy seniors. Cereb Cortex. 2015 Feb;25(2):396-405. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bht234. Epub 2013 Aug 28.

    PubMed 23985135
  • Chapman SB, Fratantoni JM, Robertson IH, D'Esposito M, Ling GSF, Zientz J, Vernon S, Venza E, Cook LG, Tate A, Spence JS. A Novel BrainHealth Index Prototype Improved by Telehealth-Delivered Training During COVID-19. Front Public Health. 2021 Mar 16;9:641754. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.641754. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 33796498
  • Chapman SB, Mudar RA. Enhancement of cognitive and neural functions through complex reasoning training: evidence from normal and clinical populations. Front Syst Neurosci. 2014 Apr 28;8:69. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00069. eCollection 2014.

    PubMed 24808834
  • Chapman SB, Aslan S, Spence JS, Keebler MW, DeFina LF, Didehbani N, Perez AM, Lu H, D'Esposito M. Distinct Brain and Behavioral Benefits from Cognitive vs. Physical Training: A Randomized Trial in Aging Adults. Front Hum Neurosci. 2016 Jul 18;10:338. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00338. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 27462210
  • Chapman SB, Spence JS, Aslan S, Keebler MW. Enhancing Innovation and Underlying Neural Mechanisms Via Cognitive Training in Healthy Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci. 2017 Oct 9;9:314. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00314. eCollection 2017.

    PubMed 29062276
  • Motes MA, Yezhuvath US, Aslan S, Spence JS, Rypma B, Chapman SB. Higher-order cognitive training effects on processing speed-related neural activity: a randomized trial. Neurobiol Aging. 2018 Feb;62:72-81. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.10.003. Epub 2017 Oct 12.

    PubMed 29121545
  • Han K, Davis RA, Chapman SB, Krawczyk DC. Strategy-based reasoning training modulates cortical thickness and resting-state functional connectivity in adults with chronic traumatic brain injury. Brain Behav. 2017 Apr 10;7(5):e00687. doi: 10.1002/brb3.687. eCollection 2017 May.

    PubMed 28523229
  • Vas A, Chapman S, Aslan S, Spence J, Keebler M, Rodriguez-Larrain G, Rodgers B, Jantz T, Martinez D, Rakic J, Krawczyk D. Reasoning training in veteran and civilian traumatic brain injury with persistent mild impairment. Neuropsychol Rehabil. 2016 Aug;26(4):502-31. doi: 10.1080/09602011.2015.1044013. Epub 2015 May 27.

    PubMed 26018041
  • Das N, Spence JS, Aslan S, Vanneste S, Mudar R, Rackley A, Quiceno M, Chapman SB. Cognitive Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Pilot Trial. Front Neurosci. 2019 Apr 12;13:307. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00307. eCollection 2019.

    PubMed 31031581
  • Han K, Martinez D, Chapman SB, Krawczyk DC. Neural correlates of reduced depressive symptoms following cognitive training for chronic traumatic brain injury. Hum Brain Mapp. 2018 Jul;39(7):2955-2971. doi: 10.1002/hbm.24052. Epub 2018 Mar 23.

    PubMed 29573026
  • Venza EE, Chapman SB, Aslan S, Zientz JE, Tyler DL, Spence JS. Enhancing Executive Function and Neural Health in Bipolar Disorder through Reasoning Training. Front Psychol. 2016 Nov 1;7:1676. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01676. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 27847486
  • Gallen CL, Baniqued PL, Chapman SB, Aslan S, Keebler M, Didehbani N, D'Esposito M. Modular Brain Network Organization Predicts Response to Cognitive Training in Older Adults. PLoS One. 2016 Dec 22;11(12):e0169015. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169015. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 28006029
  • Cook LG, Spence JS, Chang Z, Venza EE, Tate A, Robertson IH, D'Esposito M, Ling GSF, Wigginton JG, Chapman SB. Measuring and increasing the brain health span across adulthood: a public health imperative. Sci Rep. 2026 May 2;16(1):20415. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-51403-3.

    PubMed 42069911

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing BrainHealth App-Based Program in people with Healthy, run by The University of Texas at Dallas at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Erin C, MS (9728833208, erin.venza@utdallas.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

BrainHealth Index (BHI) (time frame: Every 6 months until end of study). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04869111, which also lists 13 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Jun 2026.

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