Evaluating retinal imaging for neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Evaluating the Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature and Structure Using Multimodal Retinal and Choroidal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease: iMIND Research Study
Run by Duke University · NCT03233646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if special eye scans can help spot early signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in people.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 20, 2017 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03233646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or Mild Cognitive Impairment, as well as healthy adults for comparison.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant ocular conditions affecting image acquisition or those unable to cooperate with testing 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 observational study aims to develop and assess biomarkers using non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) to evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvasculature in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By employing advanced imaging techniques and machine learning, the study seeks to identify alterations in microvascular structures that may indicate early changes in cerebral circulation associated with these conditions. The goal is to establish retinal imaging as a potential screening tool for neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing early detection and understanding of their pathophysiology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of neurodegenerative diseases through retinal imaging.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using retinal imaging techniques for assessing neurodegenerative diseases, indicating a growing interest in this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults with neurodegenerative disease ((MCI, PD, AD, FTD, DLB, ALS, MS, HD, TBI, concussion, PTSD and other neurodegenerations as well as Down Syndrome) * Adults without neurodegenerative disease Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to cooperate with or complete testing or other neurologic or age- related ocular conditions that would impact image acquisition. * Eyes that have had intraocular surgery, other than cataract surgery. If two eyes satisfy the inclusion criteria, both eyes will be included in the study. If one eye satisfies the inclusion criteria, the eye that qualifies will be included in the study.
Where it's running
-
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sharon Fekrat, MD FACS FASRS — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Sharon Fekrat, MD FACS FASRS
- Email: imind@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-681-3937
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Biobank for studying ALS and Alzheimer's diseases
This study is collecting blood, skin samples, and health information from people to see how genetics might help us understand and find treatments for ALS and Alzheimer's disease.
-
Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns
This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.
-
Imaging brain inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases
This study is testing how levels of certain proteins in the brain relate to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by comparing them in patients and healthy volunteers using brain scans.
-
Online cognitive assessment for monitoring brain health
This study is testing an online brain health test for people aged 50 and older to see if it can help track their thinking skills and identify any issues early on.
-
Identifying differences between Alzheimer's, Lewy Body Dementia, and Parkinson's Disease
This study is trying to tell apart Alzheimer's, Lewy Body dementia, and Parkinson's Disease by looking at brain scans, tests, and samples from people with these conditions.
-
Choose Myself (Before) Losing Myself
We’re testing an educational interactive booklet to help people with dementia or memory problems think about future medical decisions and start conversations with family or caregivers.
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.