Comparing brain imaging techniques in patients with mild cognitive impairment and subjective cognitive decline
Clinical Applicability of Pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Labeling as a Substitute for FDG-position Emission Tomography in MCI and SCD Patients
This study is testing if a new brain imaging technique can be a good alternative to a standard method for checking blood flow in the brains of people with mild cognitive issues and memory concerns.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Milano Bicocca Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Monza, MB) |
| Trial ID | NCT05756270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) as a potential substitute for fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in assessing cerebral perfusion in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Participants will undergo brain imaging using both pCASL and FDG-PET, along with lumbar punctures and blood tests to analyze biomarkers related to cognitive decline. The study will also investigate the correlation between hypoperfusion patterns identified by pCASL and metabolic patterns observed with FDG-PET, as well as the ability of pCASL to predict conversion to dementia over a three-year period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline who meet specific clinical criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or FDG-PET, secondary causes of cognitive decline, or significant neurological or psychiatric comorbidities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive and more accessible method for assessing brain function in patients at risk of dementia.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies exploring the use of pCASL in cognitive decline, this specific comparison with FDG-PET in MCI and SCD patients is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline according to established criteria * Clinical Dementia Rating scale of 0 or 0.5 * Signed informed consent before study entry Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to brain MRI, FDG-PET or lumbar puncture * Secondary causes of cognitive decline * Known major neurological or psychiatric comorbidities * History of substance or alcohol abuse * Known causes of cerebral brain perfusion alterations * Enrollment in anti-amyloid or anti-tau drugs trials
Where this trial is running
Monza, MB
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori — Monza, Mb, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carlo Ferrarese, MD, PhD
- Email: carlo.ferrarese@unimib.it
- Phone: +390392333595
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.