Evaluating retinal imaging for neurodegenerative diseases
Evaluating the Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature and Structure Using Multimodal Retinal and Choroidal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease: iMIND Research Study
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 2000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT03233646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
Not a fit: Patients with significant ocular conditions affecting image acquisition or those unable to cooperate with testing may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in using retinal imaging techniques for assessing neurodegenerative diseases, indicating a growing interest in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- 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
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.