Exploring cognitive decline in patients with asymptomatic intracranial artery stenosis

Cognitive Decline and Underlying Mechanisms in Asymptomatic Intracranial Artery Stenosis Patients: A Cohort Study

Observational Anhui Medical University · NCT05504330

This study is trying to understand how brain health changes over time in people with blocked arteries in the brain who don’t have any symptoms yet.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnhui Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hefei, Anhui)
Trial IDNCT05504330 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the mechanisms behind cognitive impairment in patients with asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Participants will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including neuropsychological testing, blood sample collection, and MRI scans at enrollment and after 1 and 2 years. The study aims to assess global cognitive function and various cognitive domains through a series of standardized tests, while also evaluating emotional well-being. Approximately 100 participants will be included to explore the natural history and pathogenesis of asymptomatic ICAS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with 50% or more stenosis in the intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery without a history of stroke or severe psychiatric illnesses.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, or severe psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of cognitive impairment in patients with asymptomatic intracranial artery stenosis.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on cognitive impairment in stroke patients, this specific focus on asymptomatic ICAS is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with intracranial stenosis which was defined as stenosis of 50% or more in Intracranial segment of internal carotid artery(C6-C7) and middle cerebral artery (M1).
2. The degree of stenosis was measured by transcranial doppler, computed magnetic resonance angiography (MRA),tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of stroke,transient ischemic attack,seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness.
2. Organic brain defects on MRI T1 or T2 images.
3. Any history or clinical signs of other severe psychiatric illnesses (like major depression,psychosis or obsessive compulsive disorder).
4. Implanted pacemaker,medication pump,vagal stimulator,deep brain stimulator. History of substance abuse within the last 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Hefei, Anhui

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 Asymptomatic Intracranial StenosisCognitive ImpairmentCerebrovascular EventAsymptomatic Intracranial Stenosis patients
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.