Detecting early Alzheimer's disease using MRI technology

Early Detection Of Alzheimer's Disease With GlucoCEST MRI: A Feasibility Study.

Observational University of Aberdeen · NCT05614310

This study is testing a new MRI method to see if it can help detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease in people aged 65 and older, including those with the disease and healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aberdeen Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Aberdeen)
Trial IDNCT05614310 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to improve the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by utilizing a novel MRI technique called glucose Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (glucoCEST). Unlike traditional methods that rely on radioactive tracers and PET imaging, glucoCEST MRI offers a non-invasive and repeatable approach to assess cerebral glucose levels in patients. The study will include individuals aged 65 and older, both diagnosed with AD and healthy controls, to compare glucose metabolism and cognitive function. By identifying early signs of AD, the study seeks to facilitate timely intervention and management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 65 and older, either diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or healthy controls with no memory issues.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes, major strokes, or advanced Alzheimer's disease who cannot provide consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for better management and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional imaging methods have been widely used, the glucoCEST MRI approach is innovative and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Development phase:

Controls (development group) must:

* be \> 18 years
* consent to the study
* not report problems with memory.

Clinical phase

Patients must:

* be ≥ 65 years,
* able to provide informed consent to the study
* have been clinically diagnosed with AD by the mental health team.

Controls must:

* be ≥ 65 years
* able to provide consent to the study
* have a normal score in the ADAS-cog test and the Mini Mental State Examination test (MMSE)
* not report problems with memory.

Exclusion Criteria:

Subjects will not be considered if they:

* have a history of diabetes,
* have history of a major stroke (mini-stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attacks or lacunar stroke are acceptable),
* have contra-indications to MRI scanning such as implantable cardiac devices
* have family history in AD, to exclude possible gene mutations associated with AD
* have advanced AD who lack the capacity to consent.
* Are pregnant (for developmental phase)
* are unable to read or speak English

Where this trial is running

Aberdeen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Alzheimer DiseaseMagnetic Resonance ImagingGlucose Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.