Investigating brain blood flow and memory issues in people with leg artery disease

Cognitive Impairment and Cerebral Haemodynamics in Individuals With Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease

Observational University of Leicester · NCT06369402

This study is testing if changes in blood flow to the brain are linked to memory problems in older adults with leg artery disease compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Leicester Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leicester, Leicestershire)
Trial IDNCT06369402 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and cognitive impairment in older adults. It will involve 20 individuals diagnosed with symptomatic PAD and 20 healthy controls, who will undergo non-invasive assessments including ankle blood pressure measurements and cerebral blood flow evaluations using ultrasound. Participants will also perform memory and thinking tests to assess cognitive function. The study seeks to determine if altered brain blood flow contributes to cognitive issues in those with PAD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older with a clinical diagnosis of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.

Not a fit: Patients under 50 years of age or those with major co-morbidities affecting cerebral autoregulation 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 peripheral arterial disease.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored cognitive impairment in vascular diseases, this specific investigation into the relationship between PAD and cerebral hemodynamics is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Capacity to provide Informed volunteer/patient consent
* Male or female, aged ≥50 years of age
* Able (in the Investigator's opinion) and willing to comply with all study requirements
* Good understanding of written and verbal English

Peripheral arterial disease specific inclusion criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of symptomatic PAD (intermittent claudication) confirmed by positive haemodynamic tests (ABPI \<0.90 in the symptomatic leg; and/or,
* Post-exercise \[walk test\] reduction in ABPI of \>20% or post-exercise \[walk test\] reduction in absolute ankle pressure of \>30mmHg)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Male or Female, aged under 50 years
* Pregnant
* Unable (in the Investigator's opinion) or unwilling to comply with any study requirements
* Major co-morbidity likely to affect cerebral autoregulation; severe respiratory disease, unilateral carotid artery stenosis (≥50%), atrial fibrillation, severe cardiac failure (left ventricular ejection fraction \<20%), or extreme frailty
* History of significant diagnosed psychiatric disorder, learning disability (e.g. dyslexia) or neurological disorder (head injury, epilepsy, stroke and/or transient ischaemic attack \[TIA\])
* Diagnosis of dementia
* Uncorrected hearing impairment and/or significant visual impairment

Healthy control specific exclusion criteria

* Symptoms of intermittent claudication; and/or,
* Clinical diagnosis or history of PAD

Where this trial is running

Leicester, Leicestershire

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 Peripheral Arterial DiseaseCognitive Impairment
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.