Observing brain blood vessel health in a community

PRospective Observation on CErebral microvaScular Structure and Function (PROCESS): a Population-based Prospective Cohort Study

Observational Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT06579677

This study looks at how blood vessel health in the brain is affected by conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes in adults aged 50-75 living in Beijing.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3500 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06579677 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prevalence and characteristics of cerebral small vessel dysfunction in a community population in Beijing, China, using advanced vascular imaging techniques. It will investigate how vascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, affect cerebral small vessel dysfunction and its relationship with cognitive and cerebrovascular health. The study will involve community-dwelling adults aged 50-75 years and will not include any interventions, focusing instead on observational data collection. The findings could provide insights into the early pathologic changes associated with major brain diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 50-75 years living in Beijing.

Not a fit: Patients with serious neurological disorders or significant disabilities will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of brain health and lead to better prevention strategies for major brain diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on cerebral small vessel dysfunction exist, this specific population-based approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Community-dwelling adults aged 50-75 years;
2. Registered Beijing household residents or residents who can be followed up stably in their own communities for a long period;
3. Subjects with written informed consents.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Residents with moderate to severe disabilities (MRS ≥3), mental illness, stroke, dementia, and other serious neurological disorders (e.g., encephalitis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, brain tumors, and rare genetic diseases of the nervous system);
2. Life expectancy of ≤4 years due to serious diseases such as end-stage cancer;
3. Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging such as implanted devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, and others);
4. Residents who are participating in other studies.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 1 other locations

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 Cerebral Microvascular DysfunctionCerebral Small Vessel DiseasesCognitive DysfunctionCerebrovascular DisordersCardiovascular DiseasesPopulation
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.