Exploring cognitive decline in patients with narrowed brain arteries

Cognitive Decline and Underlying Mechanisms in Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Observational Anhui Medical University · NCT06336174

This study looks at how narrowed brain arteries affect thinking and memory in people with symptoms to see what might be causing their cognitive decline.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnhui Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hefei, Anhui)
Trial IDNCT06336174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the mechanisms behind cognitive impairment in patients suffering from symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Participants undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including neuropsychological testing, blood sample collection, and MRI scans at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year. The study aims to assess global cognitive function and specific cognitive domains while also monitoring emotional health and cerebrovascular events. Approximately 100 participants will be involved, providing valuable insights into the relationship between ICAS and cognitive decline.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis who have a history of vascular-related transient ischemic attacks or acute cerebral infarctions.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe psychiatric illnesses, significant brain defects, or those who have had strokes or seizures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive impairment in patients with symptomatic ICAS.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on cognitive impairment related to cerebrovascular conditions, this specific approach focusing on symptomatic ICAS is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 80 years
* Severe stenosis (≥70%-99%) of atherosclerotic internal carotid artery (C6 segment, C7 segment) or middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or at least two of the following non-invasive examinations: magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), or transcranial Doppler (TCD)
* Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale \[NIHSS\] score ≤ 4 points)
* Right-handed and able to cooperate in neuropsychological tests
* At least 14 days post-onset of cerebral infarction or TIA
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other diseases that affect cognitive function, such as cerebral hemorrhage, •Parkinson's disease, neurosyphilis, dementia, tumors, etc.
* Right upper limb hemiplegia, aphasia, visual field defects, or visual impairments
* More than 50% stenosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery, the vertebral artery, or the basilar artery
* Vasculitis, moyamoya disease, and cardiogenic stroke
* Previous history of head and neck stent implantation, carotid endarterectomy, aneurysm embolization, or other intracranial surgeries

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 Intracranial AtherosclerosisCognitive ImpairmentCerebrovascular EventSymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis StenosisCerebravascular Event
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.