Evaluating brain fluid movement using MRI
Official title: MR Evaluation of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics and Association of Intracranial CSF Flow With Brain Function
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT04099823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 31, 2019 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04099823 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include healthy individuals and patients with suspected altered CSF dynamics or cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with non-MRI compatible devices or those requiring sedation may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Petrice Cogswell, MD — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Suson (Sue) Walsh
- Email: Walsh.Suson@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-293-0039
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.