Investigating the relationship between white matter hyperintensity shape and brain clearance in dementia

White Matter Hyperintensity Shape and Glymphatics

Leiden University Medical Center · NCT06010511

This study is trying to see how the shape of certain brain changes in older adults with small vessel disease relates to their thinking skills and dementia.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLeiden University Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Leiden)
Trial IDNCT06010511 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore how different pathological mechanisms in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) influence the shape of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in patients over 65 years old. Conducted at the Leiden University Medical Center and Alrijne Hospital, the study will utilize advanced 3T and 7T MRI scans alongside neuropsychological assessments to analyze the association between WMH shape and cognitive function, as well as other markers of cerebral SVD. The research seeks to better understand the underlying mechanisms of WMH shape variations and their implications for dementia development.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients over 65 years old admitted to the memory or geriatric clinic who are eligible for MRI and speak Dutch at a native level.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological diseases unrelated to dementia or those unable to undergo MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of dementia mechanisms and lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored aspects of cerebral small vessel disease and dementia, this specific approach focusing on WMH shape and glymphatic function is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Admitted to the memory or the geriatric clinic of the LUMC, the Alrijne Hospital Leiden or the Haga Hospital the Hague
* From 65 years of age
* Eligible for MRI
* Native-level Dutch speaker

Exclusion Criteria:

* Claustrophobia
* Contraindications for MRI such as metal implants and pacemaker
* Use of benzodiazepines
* Initiated treatment with antidepressants less than 6 weeks prior to inclusion
* Not being able to provide written informed consent (assessed by the treating physician)
* Individuals that have been declared mentally incapacitated
* Other severe neurological disease besides dementia related
* Cognitive impairment due to known other neurological disease
* Previous brain surgery

Where this trial is running

Leiden

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases, Dementia, Mixed, Dementia, Vascular, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Decline, dementia, cerebral small vessel disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.