Observing brain changes in dementia patients
Prospective Neuroimaging, Cognition and Behavioural Study of Alzheimer's, Vascular, Parkinson's, Frontotemporal and Mixed Dementias
This study is testing new brain imaging techniques to see how dementia affects people over time and to understand how it relates to other brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1800 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT01800214 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on using advanced brain imaging techniques to monitor and diagnose dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases. It involves yearly assessments of cognitive and functional abilities, alongside genetic testing, to track changes over time in patients with Alzheimer's Disease and other conditions. The research aims to understand the relationship between Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular disease, which share common risk factors. By quantifying brain shrinkage and stroke-related changes through MRI, the study seeks to enhance the effectiveness of future disease-modifying therapies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 40 to 90 who are fluent in English and have a Mini-Mental State Exam score of 16 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary causes of dementia or significant psychiatric or neurological illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and monitoring strategies for dementia, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques have shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patient Inclusion Criteria (General): * Age between 40 and 90 (inclusive) * Fluent in English * Completed 8 years of education or higher * Visual and auditory acuity adequate for neuropsychological testing * Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score ≥ 16 Patient Exclusion Criteria (General): * Possible secondary causes of dementia, concomitant or history of neurological or psychiatric illness (other than stroke or Parkinsonism) * History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years Normal Control Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 40-90 * Fluent in English * Completed 8 years of education or higher * No significant memory complaints Normal Control Exclusion Criteria: * Being treated or history of being treated for psychiatric or neurological illness * History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years * Current use of psychoactive medications (e.g. antidepressant, neuroleptics, chronic anxiolytics or sedative hypnotics, etc.) * Medical contraindications to MRI
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sandra E Black, MD — Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Study coordinator: Morgan Koo, BScH.
- Email: morgan.koo@sunnybrook.ca
- Phone: 416-480-6100
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.