RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Motor Slowing and Its Lesion-related Correlates in Alzheimer's Disease

This study aims to understand how Alzheimer's disease can slow down a person's thinking and reaction times. The researchers want to see if these changes are linked to specific areas of the brain affected by the disease. They will use brain scans (MRI), detailed memory and thinking tests (neuropsychological evaluation), and blood samples to gather information. The goal is to better understand how Alzheimer's impacts our ability to focus and react, which could help in developing better ways to diagnose and support people living with the condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

155

Start

16 Dec 2015

Estimated completion

16 Dec 2028

Alzheimer Disease

What is this study about?

This research study is titled "Motor Slowing and Its Lesion-related Correlates in Alzheimer's Disease." In simpler terms, it's about understanding why people with Alzheimer's disease sometimes find their movements and thoughts becoming slower, and how this links to different parts of their brain. The researchers are particularly interested in how attention problems, which can make you react more slowly, are connected to what they see on brain scans.

Alzheimer's disease is a complex condition, and one of the ways it affects people is by changing their ability to pay attention and think quickly. This study wants to get a clearer picture of these changes. By using advanced brain scans, specially designed memory and thinking tests, and blood tests, the team hopes to find out more about which specific brain changes might be causing the slowing down of thoughts and reactions.

Understanding these connections better is important. It could help doctors to identify Alzheimer's disease earlier, create more personalised care plans, and even guide the development of new treatments in the future. The more we know about how Alzheimer's affects the brain, the better equipped we are to support those living with the condition.

Key takeaways

The study aims to understand how Alzheimer's affects thinking speed and links to brain changes.
It involves brain scans (MRI), memory tests, and blood tests.
Participants must be aged 40-85, speak French, and be patients at a specific memory clinic.
Healthy volunteers are also needed for comparison.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
No new medications are given as part of this study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged between 40 and 85 years old. Participants should speak French as their first language and be patients at the Amiens Memory Resource and Research Centre (CMRR). They are looking for people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's, Lewy Body Disease (LBD), or Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD). They also need healthy volunteers of a similar age and gender to compare with the patients.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe reading or writing difficulties, or certain serious medical conditions like uncontrolled thyroid problems, serious heart failure, severe breathing problems, or advanced cancer. Past or present alcohol abuse would also make someone unsuitable. If you have other serious brain conditions like a history of stroke, epilepsy requiring ongoing treatment, or certain mental health conditions (other than treated depression), you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you can't have a brain MRI scan for medical reasons (like having certain metal implants), you won't be able to join.

Pregnant women cannot participate. It's important to remember that if you decide to join, you can withdraw from the study at any time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 40 and 85 years old?
Is French your first language?
Are you a patient at the Amiens Memory Resource and Research Centre (CMRR)?
Have you been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia (due to AD, LBD, or FTLD)?
Do you have a social security number/coverage?
Do you NOT have any metal implants that prevent an MRI scan (like certain nerve stimulators or cochlear implants)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would likely undergo a few different types of assessments. This includes having a brain MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brainstructure but doesn't involve radiation. You would also have a neuropsychological evaluation, which consists of various tests to check your memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and other thinking abilities. These tests might involve answering questions, solving puzzles, or remembering lists of words. Additionally, blood samples will be taken for analysis. The study doesn't mention specific visits, medication, or a set follow-up schedule, so these details would need to be clarified with the study team. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any point.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us learn more about Alzheimer's disease, which could benefit future patients. The specific benefits for you might include a thorough evaluation of your cognitive function and brain health. Potential risks are generally low, mainly associated with the MRI scan (e.g., discomfort in the scanner, but serious risks are rare if you meet the safety criteria) and blood draws (e.g., bruising or slight pain). There are no experimental medications involved. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Amiens
Verified postcode
Amiens, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'motor slowing'?

It means a slowdown in your physical movements and how quickly you react, often linked to how fast your brain processes information.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve giving you any new or experimental medications.

What is an MRI scan?

It's a special scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures inside your body, like your brain, and it doesn't use X-rays.

How long will the study last for me?

The study description doesn't specify the exact duration for individual participants, so you would need to ask the study team for this information.

Can I stop being part of the study once I've started?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any point, for any reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Daniela ANDRIUTA, PhD

andriuta.daniela@chu-amiens.fr +33 3 22 66 82 40 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.