RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Detecting Early Alzheimer's Using MR

This research is looking for better ways to detect Alzheimer's disease early on. Currently, diagnosing Alzheimer's can take a long time and involve various tests, some of which use radiation. This study is exploring a new type of MRI scan, called glucoCEST, which is a non-radioactive way to look at how the brain uses sugar. People with early Alzheimer's often show reduced sugar levels in certain brain areas. If this new scan works well, it could potentially replace more costly and radiation-based tests, making early detection of Alzheimer's simpler and safer. Early diagnosis is important because current treatments work best in the early stages, helping to slow down the disease's progress.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

15 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Alzheimer Disease

What is this study about?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of memory loss and thinking problems in older people. Finding it early is really important because treatments work better when they're started sooner, helping to slow down how quickly the disease progresses. However, figuring out if someone has Alzheimer's in its very early stages can be quite a long and complicated process, involving several different tests over time.

At the moment, one way doctors can get clues about early Alzheimer's is by looking at how the brain uses sugar. People with early Alzheimer's often have lower sugar levels in certain parts of their brain. There's a scan called a PET scan that can show this, but it uses a small amount of radiation, can be expensive, and isn't always easy to access. This means doctors often rely on other methods like checking symptoms, doing examinations, and running memory tests, which can take a lot of time.

This study is very exciting because it's looking into a completely new type of MRI scan called glucoCEST. This special MRI can also show how your brain uses sugar, but it does so without using any radiation. This could mean a safer, easier, and perhaps more widely available way to detect early Alzheimer's. The researchers believe that if this new scan works well, it could become a standard way to help diagnose Alzheimer's much earlier, making a real difference for patients and their families.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new, safer MRI scan (glucoCEST) for early Alzheimer's.
Aims to detect Alzheimer's earlier than current methods.
glucoCEST MRI doesn't use radiation, unlike some current scans.
Could make early diagnosis simpler and more widely available.
Participation involves a brain MRI and possibly memory tests.

Who may be eligible?

The study needs a few different groups of people. For the first part, which is about developing the new scan, we need volunteers over 18 who don't have memory problems and can agree to take part.

For the main part of the study, we need two groups of people, all aged 65 and over. One group will be people who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease by a specialist mental health team. The other group will be healthy volunteers (also aged 65 and over) who have good scores on memory tests and don't report any memory issues themselves.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have diabetes, have had a major stroke in the past, or have certain medical devices that mean you can't have an MRI scan, you won't be able to take part. Also, if you have a strong family history of Alzheimer's, are pregnant (for the development phase), or can't read or speak English, you wouldn't be able to join this study.

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 aged 65 or older (or over 18 for the development group)?
Have you been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, or do you have good memory and no related problems?
Do you *not* have diabetes or a history of a major stroke?
Do you *not* have any medical devices that prevent MRI scans?
Can you read or speak English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will have one visit where you will receive a 3T brain MRI scan. This scan helps to look at your brain without using radiation. Before the scan, depending on which group you are in, you might also have some simple memory and thinking tests to check your cognitive abilities. The overall time commitment for this study, including any assessments and the MRI scan, will be discussed in detail when you consider joining. There is no medication involved in this study, and no follow-up visits are typically planned beyond your initial participation.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of contributing to new research that could help future patients get an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. You will also receive an MRI scan of your brain. The main risk involved is the standard safety considerations for an MRI scan, such as being in an enclosed space that can feel noisy, but staff will be on hand to ensure your comfort. There might also be a small amount of discomfort from lying still for the scan. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Aberdeen
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is glucoCEST MRI?

It's a new type of MRI scan that can show how your brain uses sugar, which is important for understanding Alzheimer's, but without using radiation.

Why is early detection of Alzheimer's important?

Treatments for Alzheimer's work best when started in the early stages, helping to slow down its progression.

Will I get a diagnosis if I participate?

This study is for research, not for providing individual diagnoses. Your results will contribute to understanding the new scanning method.

Are there any side effects from the scan?

The MRI scan itself doesn't use radiation and is generally safe, but it can be noisy and involves lying still in an enclosed space.

How long will my participation take?

Participation involves a single visit for assessments and the MRI scan. The exact duration will be explained before you agree to take part.

How to find out more

Gordon Waiter, PhD

g.waiter@abdn.ac.uk +44 (0)1224 438356 Official trial record

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