Using retinal imaging to detect and monitor Alzheimer's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study explores the potential of multimodal retinal imaging as a non-invasive method to detect and monitor Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. By examining the retina, which shares similarities with the brain, researchers aim to identify retinal biomarkers that could aid in early diagnosis and patient screening. The study focuses on individuals aged 50 to 85 and utilizes advanced imaging techniques to correlate retinal changes with cognitive impairment. The findings could provide insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's and improve management strategies for the disease.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between ≥ 50 and ≤ 85 years of age.
* In the opinion of the investigator, the patient is in stable medical condition and willing and able to perform study procedures.
* Patient is fluent in written and verbal Dutch.
* Patient is capable of giving informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient has a history or current evidence of a neurological disorder, which, in the opinion of the primary investigator, may contribute to the subject's cognitive impairment.
* Patient has a history of large-vessel stroke or evidence of a large-vessel infarction or other focal lesions on baseline MRI scan, which may contribute to the cause of the memory impairment in the opinion of the investigator. Vascular white matter lesions or other signs of microangiopathy will not be considered an exclusion.
* Patient has a history of malignancy ≤ 5 years prior to signing informed consent, except for patients who have undergone potentially curative therapy with no evidence of recurrence for 1 year, and who are deemed at low risk for recurrency by her/his treating physician.
* Patient is currently participating or has participated in a study with an investigational compound within 30 days of signing informed consent.
* Subject has any magnetizable metal prostheses, implants or foreign objects that could pose a hazard during MRI scans.
* Patient has a known history of ocular diseases other than the exception of cataract and/or wearing glasses/contact lenses.

Where it's running

• UZ Leuven
  Leuven, Vlaams Brabant, Belgium Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ingeborg Stalmans, MD PhD — UZ Leuven/KU Leuven
• Study coordinator: Jan Van Eijgen, MD
• Email: jan.1.vaneijgen@uzleuven.be
• Phone: +3216332387

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns

  This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.

  Recruiting University of Cambridge · Cambridge, CB2 · NCT07786116

• Blood tests using plasma biomarkers to diagnose and track Alzheimer’s disease

  A large, year-long study in Milan is testing whether blood markers can help diagnose Alzheimer’s and predict how it will progress in people with memory concerns.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Raffaele · Milan, Milano · NCT07717567

• Music for Pain and Dementia: Group Drumming for people with early dementia and their caregivers

  This study tests whether group drumming can reduce pain and change brain activity in people with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment and in their caregivers.

  Recruiting Yale University · New Haven, Connecticut · NCT07602283

• Hyperspectral imaging to map retinal and optic nerve structures

  This study will test whether hyperspectral retinal imaging can detect disease-related features in adults with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and in healthy volunteers.

  Recruiting Center for Eye Research Australia · Melbourne, Victoria · NCT07555574

• Fast-track screening to determine eligibility for anti-amyloid treatment using digital cognitive tests and blood biomarkers.

  This project will test whether combining self‑administered digital cognitive tests with blood biomarker results can quickly identify patients referred for memory concerns who may qualify for anti‑amyloid disease‑modifying therapy.

  Recruiting MoCA Clinic and Institute · Greenfield Park, Quebec · NCT07041450

• Vision screening in general practice to catch preventable sight loss in people over 70

  This project will test a GP-based vision-screening program for people aged 70 and older with at least one chronic condition to find sight problems early.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of Copenhagen · Copenhagen, Capital Region and 1 other locations · NCT07015034

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.