Evaluating brain fluid movement using MRI

MR Evaluation of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics and Association of Intracranial CSF Flow With Brain Function

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT04099823

This study is testing if MRI can help see how cerebrospinal fluid moves in the brain to better understand conditions like hydrocephalus and Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT04099823 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to assess whether MRI can effectively detect the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which may aid in diagnosing and understanding conditions that impact brain function, such as hydrocephalus and Alzheimer's disease. The study will compare CSF dynamics between healthy individuals and those with suspected alterations in CSF flow. Participants will undergo MRI screening and other assessments to gather data on CSF movement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy individuals and patients with suspected altered CSF dynamics or cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-MRI compatible devices or those requiring sedation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for brain diseases that affect cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using MRI to evaluate CSF dynamics is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A healthy control will be defined as an otherwise healthy person who does not have a medical condition that affects brain function or have problems with concentration, memory, balance, or coordination.
* Patients who have a suspected diagnosis of altered CSF dynamics including but not limited to normal pressure hydrocephalus will be referred to Dr. Cogswell by their care team to be included in the study. Conditions of altered CSF dynamics include obstructive and non-obstructive hydrocephalus and may be associated with headaches and/or decreased cognitive function.
* Similarly, patients with impaired cognitive function including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease will be referred to Dr. Cogswell by their care team to be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with non-MRI compatible devices
* required sedation
* women who may be pregnant will be excluded.
* The first 10 subjects with normal pressure hydrocephalus will not have previously been shunted.

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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 HydrocephalusAlzheimer Disease
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.