Alzheimer's Multinuclear Imaging Neuro-Enhanced Resolution (AD-MINER) cohort
Ultra-high Field Multimodal and Multinuclear Neuroimaging Cohort Study of Alzheimer's Disease
This project will use 3T and 7T MRI, blood biomarkers, and genetic testing to try to find early brain and sodium changes in people aged 55–90 who are cognitively normal, have mild cognitive impairment, or have Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 750 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese PLA General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT07089303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center prospective cohort will enroll 750 participants (250 cognitively normal, 250 with mild cognitive impairment, and 250 with Alzheimer's disease) and follow them annually for at least four years. At baseline and each annual visit participants will undergo multimodal 3T and ultra-high-field 7T MRI (including hydrogen-1 and sodium-23 sequences), blood biomarker sampling, genotyping, and standardized cognitive assessments. Structural, functional, and sodium imaging will be integrated with plasma biomarkers and genetic data and analyzed using artificial intelligence to identify early imaging signatures and model disease progression. The project also aims to create the first standardized 7T Alzheimer's neuroimaging database for the Chinese population and to address technical gaps in early detection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 55–90 who are willing and able to undergo MRI (no contraindications), provide blood samples and follow-up data, and meet criteria for being cognitively normal, having MCI, or having Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: People with MRI contraindications (for example pacemakers), severe medical or psychiatric conditions that prevent participation, advanced dementia unable to cooperate, or those outside the 55–90 age range likely will not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could allow earlier detection and better prediction of cognitive decline and provide a standardized 7T imaging database to improve diagnosis and future trials in the Chinese population.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies using high-field MRI and multimodal imaging have shown promise for early Alzheimer's markers, but multinuclear 7T sodium imaging and large standardized Chinese 7T datasets are relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 55-90 years (inclusive). * Willing and able to participate in baseline assessment and longitudinal follow-up; voluntary provision of biospecimens and personal information, and commitment to complete all follow-up visits. * Able to undergo MRI scanning (no contraindications to MRI). * Group-specific cognitive criteria: CN: No subjective memory complaints beyond age expectation (confirmed by study partner); MMSE score 26-30 (inclusive; exceptions permitted for participants with \<8 years of education with principal investigator approval; CDR = 0, memory box = 0; Normal cognitive and daily functioning, no significant impairment. MCI: Subject, partner, or physician reports subjective memory concerns; MMSE criteria same as CN group; CDR = 0.5 (memory box ≥0.5); General cognition and function relatively preserved; does not meet criteria for AD. AD: Subject, partner, or physician reports subjective memory concerns; MMSE score \<26 (inclusive; exceptions as above); CDR = 0.5 or 1.0; Meets National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS/ADRDA) probable AD diagnostic criteria or 2024 National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) criteria (e.g., positive Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) and tau). Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported or MRI-detected major neurological diseases other than AD: including but not limited to stroke (cerebral hemorrhage, infarction), congenital intellectual disability, intracranial tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple sclerosis, severe head trauma with persistent deficits, etc. * Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia requiring medication control) or other known brain structural abnormalities. * Significant organ failure (heart, liver, kidney, etc.), malignant tumors, or short life expectancy making completion of follow-up unlikely. * Contraindications to MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, incompatible pacemaker, aneurysm clip, artificial heart valve, cochlear implant, or other metallic implants). * Other clinical history or examination findings judged by investigators as potentially unsafe for MRI or follow-up. * Use of investigational drugs within one month prior to enrollment or during the study.
Where this trial is running
Beijing, Beijing Municipality
- Chinese PLA General Hospital — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.