Understanding CADASIL and its effects on cognitive impairment

Unraveling the Early Phases of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)

Observational University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05677880

This study is trying to understand how CADASIL affects thinking and memory over time in people with a family history of the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment660 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations12 sites (Los Angeles, California and 11 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05677880 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the risk factors and progression of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. A total of 575 participants with a family history of CADASIL will be enrolled and monitored over a period of up to 5 years. Participants will undergo clinical interviews, neurological exams, neurocognitive assessments, MRI scans, and blood draws during three in-person visits, along with additional remote follow-ups. The study seeks to identify early changes in biological markers and neuroimaging associated with CADASIL and its impact on cognitive health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 and older with a positive NOTCH3 genetic test or those at risk for CADASIL.

Not a fit: Patients without a family history of CADASIL or those who do not meet the genetic testing criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of CADASIL, potentially enhancing patient care and outcomes for those affected by vascular cognitive impairment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding vascular dementia through genetic and observational approaches, making this study a continuation of established research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for CADASIL Participants:

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Positive NOTCH3 genetic testing; OR a positive skin biopsy; OR a willingness to have a NOTCH3 genetic test completed prior to enrolling AND are at-risk for, or diagnosed clinically with, CADASIL
3. Willing to commit to three in-person visits (a baseline visit, an 18-month follow-up, and a 36-month follow-up) and to remote visits as needed by phone, email, mail or internet
4. Willing to provide documentation of all current medications to study team

   a. All medications will be allowed throughout the course of study. Documentation of medications will be used for analyses to assess potential impact of medications on study outcomes.
5. Willing and able to undergo an MRI scan and blood draw at each in-person visit
6. Must have a designated "study companion"

   a. A "study companion" is someone who knows the participant well (has greater than or equal to 3 hours/month of contact with the CADASIL participant) and can provide additional information to the study team (either remotely or in-person).
7. A functional capacity less than 4 on the Modified Rankin Scale

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls (HC):

1\. Must meet same criteria as CADASIL participants, EXCEPT have negative NOTCH3 genetic testing

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of severe learning disability, intellectual disability, or other neurological disease or event not attributable to CADASIL
2. History of serious alcohol or drug abuse within the past year
3. Unwilling to undergo NOTCH3 genetic testing if there is no test on file

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 11 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 CADASILneurodegenerationdementiacognitive impairmentNOTCH3vascular dementia
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.