Investigating brain iron levels in early Alzheimer's disease using advanced MRI technology
Brain Iron Toxicity and Neurodegeneration - An Ultrahigh Field (7T) MRI Study
This study is testing if advanced MRI technology can help spot iron buildup in the brains of people with early Alzheimer's disease to better understand the condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham, East Midland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04992975 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on individuals with early onset Alzheimer's disease during the prodromal phase and a matched control group. It utilizes ultrahigh field MRI at 7T and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) to identify patterns of iron overload in critical brain areas. The goal is to establish these patterns as sensitive markers of pathological Alzheimer's disease, particularly in patients with mild cognitive impairment or amyloid/tau pathology in cerebrospinal fluid.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease or cognitively normal individuals who meet specific neuropsychological criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that impair their ability to consent or those with incompatible medical devices will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for early Alzheimer's disease, allowing for earlier intervention.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrahigh field MRI is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in identifying neurodegenerative patterns, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to provide informed consent * Patients with pathological diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease according to the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association, NIA-AA, criteria (Alzheimer's group) or cognitively normal individuals within 1.5 standard deviation of normal in all tests (control group) Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of mental capacity to consent to study involvement * Not speaking English before age 5 years * Learning disability * Schizophrenia * Substance misuse * Implanted devices not certified as compatible with ultra-high field MRI (e.g. cardiac pacemaker) * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Nottingham, East Midland
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust — Nottingham, East Midland, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Akram Hosseini — Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Study coordinator: rebecca Boulton
- Email: Rebecca.Boulton@nuh.nhs.uk
- Phone: 01159249924
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.