Carotid artery wall viscosity and memory problems in older adults
Evaluation of the Link Between Carotid Arterial Wall Viscosity and Major Neurocognitive Disorders of Vascular Origin or Linked to Alzheimer's Disease
University Hospital, Rouen · NCT07205003
This project will test whether the viscous behavior of the carotid artery wall is linked to memory problems in people over 70 with memory complaints, Alzheimer's disease, or vascular dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 70 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Rouen (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Rouen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07205003 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational, single-center project will measure carotid arterial wall viscosity in adults over 70 who are seen in a memory clinic and fall into three groups: memory complaint without dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or vascular dementia. Vascular measurements will be compared with recent brain MRI findings and cognitive test results to look for associations with small vessel disease markers, brain volume, and cognitive performance. Key exclusions include known carotid stenosis, permanent atrial fibrillation, severe psychiatric illness, MRI contraindication, and severe cognitive impairment. All assessments are noninvasive and will be performed at University Rouen Hospital alongside routine clinical and imaging data.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 70 referred to a memory clinic who have or plan a brain MRI within one year, meet DSM-5 criteria for Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia or have a memory complaint without dementia, can consent (or have caregiver agreement), and are covered by health insurance.
Not a fit: Patients with non-vascular dementias, MMSE ≤10, known carotid stenosis or prior carotid surgery, permanent atrial fibrillation, MRI contraindications, acute decompensated illness, or under legal guardianship are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify a vascular marker that helps explain or predict cognitive decline and support earlier vascular-targeted prevention or monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked arterial stiffness to dementia and small vessel brain damage, but direct measurement of carotid wall viscosity is relatively novel and less well tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age over 70 * Memory consultation consultant (neurology or geriatrics) * Brain MRI less than one year old or planned as part of the cognitive assessment performed. * Patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease according to DSM-5 criteria or vascular dementia according to DSM-5 criteria, or presenting a memory complaint without evidence of a dementia-related condition. * No objection from the patient or their caregiver. * Patient covered by a health insurance plan Exclusion Criteria: * Known unilateral or bilateral carotid stenosis or history of carotid surgery * Permanent CA/AF * Patient presenting with confusion * Known psychiatric illness (severe depression, psychosis, etc.) * Non-vascular, non-Alzheimer's dementia (e.g., Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinsonian Dementia, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) * Refusal to participate * MMS less than or equal to 10 * Contraindication to performing an MRI * Any acute decompensated pathology * Patient under guardianship or curatorship
Where this trial is running
Rouen
- University Rouen Hospital — Rouen, France (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Frédéric FR ROCA, Doctor
- Email: Frederic.Roca@chu-rouen.fr
- Phone: 02 32 88 05 39
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: Neurocognitive Disorders, Alzheimer', s Disease, carotid arterial wall viscosity