Understanding cognitive outcomes after stroke

StrokeCog-BBB to Study Cognitive Outcomes Following Stroke

Observational Stanford University · NCT06116630

This study looks at how a stroke affects thinking and memory over time in stroke patients compared to people with similar heart risks, to see if certain blood markers can help predict cognitive decline.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT06116630 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate cognitive outcomes in stroke patients by examining the long-term effects of stroke on brain function. Researchers will assess blood-brain barrier permeability, identify blood biomarkers related to angiogenesis, and explore their relationship with cognitive decline. Participants will undergo cognitive testing and MRIs two years apart, and their outcomes will be compared to non-stroke patients with cardiovascular risk factors. The study seeks to uncover potential mechanisms behind post-stroke dementia and establish biomarkers for predicting cognitive decline.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45 and older with one or more vascular risk factors who have not experienced a stroke or significant brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of stroke, dementia, or major neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and early identification of patients at risk for cognitive decline after a stroke.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into post-stroke cognitive outcomes, this study's specific focus on blood-brain barrier dysfunction and biomarkers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 45 years or over
* One or more vascular risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes or vascular disease such as angina, a previous heart attack, a heart bypass or peripheral artery disease in the legs)
* Established vascular disease (previous MI, angina, vascular stent in the peripheral bed)
* Sufficiently fluent in written and spoken English
* Living independently in the community
* Willing/able to give consent to study participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current treatment with IL-1 blockade or established immune-suppressant therapy (e.g. IL-1Ra or IL-1 antibodies), or treatment within the last 3 months
* Currently participating in a clinical trial of investigation medicinal product (CTIMP) or device trial.
* No history of any previous ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, a mini-stroke or a serious brain injury
* Do not have dementia
* Renovascular Disease
* Major neurological disease (immune mediated, previous brain tumors)

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

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 Stroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.