Actively Recruiting
Examining Representations of Dementia in Fiction and Clinical Narratives
Led by Fu Jen Catholic University · Updated on 2026-03-20
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are exploring how natural language used by patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease compares with fictional portrayals of dementia in contemporary novels. The study aims to understand differences and similarities in memory and language decline through both neurological and literary viewpoints. This research seeks to develop a new model that supports early diagnosis, enhances empathy in caregiving, and improves education in medical humanities. This one-year observational study involves two groups: people diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment, and healthy individuals matched by age and education. Participants will share spontaneous narratives about their childhood, life events, and self-description during interviews. These narratives will be recorded and analyzed alongside selected dementia-themed novels to identify patterns of language decline and narrative changes. Participants will undergo evaluations including the Mini-Mental State Examination at enrollment. Researchers will analyze audio transcripts and literary texts to build a framework linking clinical and fictional language features. The study monitors participants over a year to gather data supporting diagnostic tools and empathy training. The trial welcomes volunteers aged 60 to 85 years, including healthy individuals.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dementia in Fiction and Clinical Narratives
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment by a neurologist (case group) or healthy individuals matched for age and education level (control group)
- Able to communicate and understand basic language
- Aged between 60 and 85 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Refuse to participate in the study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 1 day (enrollment day)
Participants undergo assessments including the Mini-Mental State Examination and semi-structured interviews to collect spontaneous narratives focusing on childhood memories, life events, and self-description. Audio recordings are transcribed and analyzed for linguistic features and behaviors.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 year
Participants are observed over one year with ongoing analysis of narrative data and cross-comparisons between clinical data and literary texts to study language decline and narrative behavior.
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University
New Taipei City, Taiwan, 24352
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Ke-Yun Chao, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here