Amyloid deposits in the heart and heart function in people with Alzheimer's disease
Investigation of Cardiac Amyloid Deposits as a Cause of Cardiac Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease (Untersuchung Von Kardialen Amyloidablagerungen Als Ursache Einer Funktionseinschränkung Des Herzens Bei Alzheimer Demenz)
University Hospital, Essen · NCT07154394
This project will see if the same amyloid buildup found in Alzheimer's also shows up in the heart by adding a heart amyloid PET/MRI, an echocardiogram, and a dementia exam for people already having a brain amyloid PET.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Essen (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07154394 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study adds cardiac PET/MRI using amyloid tracers to patients already undergoing cerebral amyloid PET for Alzheimer evaluation, plus an echocardiogram and a clinical dementia exam. Imaging and clinical data will be correlated to look for amyloid deposits in the heart and relationships between cardiac findings, brain amyloid status, and cognitive measures. Patients with MRI/PET contraindications, pronounced cardiac disease, or other confirmed non-amyloid causes of dementia are excluded. The single-site study at University Hospital Essen aims to improve understanding of possible shared amyloid-driven mechanisms in brain and heart and to inform diagnostic practice.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: People referred for cerebral amyloid PET to clarify Alzheimer's who can safely undergo MRI and PET and do not have other confirmed causes of dementia or major cardiac disease are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with vascular dementia or other confirmed non-amyloid causes of cognitive decline, those with significant cardiac comorbidities, or those who cannot undergo MRI or PET (including pregnant or breastfeeding women) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve detection of cardiac amyloidosis and clarify links between heart and brain amyloid, helping tailor care for people with Alzheimer's and unexplained heart dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Amyloid PET is well established for brain imaging and has been used in small prior studies to image cardiac amyloid experimentally, so this approach is plausible but still exploratory for routine clinical use.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing cerebral amyloid PET examination for clinical indication to clarify Alzheimer's disease * No contraindications to undergo an MRI examination * No contraindications to undergo an Amyloid PET scan Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with vascular dementia and confirmed other causes of dementia (e.g. stroke, vitamin deficiency, thyroid insufficiency, toxic causes such as alcohol) * Patients with pronounced cardiac preconditions * Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Where this trial is running
Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
- University Hospital Essen — Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: David Kersting, MD PhD
- Email: david.kersting@uk-essen.de
- Phone: +49-201-723-2073
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.
Conditions: Dementia, Alzheimer Type, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Cardiac Amyloidosis