Measuring tau deposition in Alzheimer's patients using PET imaging

UAB Alzheimer's Disease Center Core Cohort - Tau Imaging Substudy

Phase 1 Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT03809351

This study is testing how much tau protein is in the brains of people with Alzheimer's to see how it relates to their health and background.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT03809351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the concentration and distribution of tau protein in the brains of participants with Alzheimer's disease using the PET tracer AV-1451. It will correlate tau levels with demographic, clinical, genetic, and biospecimen data from the ongoing UAB-ADC cohort. Additionally, the study will explore the interactions between race, vascular risk factors, and cognitive status in relation to tau levels. Participants will also be involved in a related amyloid-PET study to compare findings on amyloid and tau deposition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals enrolled in the UAB-ADC study who are also participating in the amyloid-PET substudy.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies using PET imaging for tau deposition have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is supported by prior research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Enrollment in the UAB-ADC study under a separate IRB-approved research protocol.
2. Enrollment in the UAB-ADC amyloid-PET substudy under a separate IRB-approved research protocol. The amyloid-PET study does not have to have been completed prior to enrollment and participation in this tau-PET study.
3. Negative urine or serum hCG test within 2 days of \[F-18\]AV-1451 administration in women of child bearing potential. Women who are post-menopausal with at least 1 year since last menses or documented surgical sterilization will not require pregnancy testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Meets any exclusion criteria for the UAB-ADC study.
2. Inability or contraindication for undergoing MRI and/or PET imaging
3. Inability to participate in the imaging studies due to severity of dementia

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

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 Alzheimer Disease
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.