RecruitingObservational

The Imperial College comprehensive study of people with chronic damage to small blood vessels in the brain to define underlying mechanisms

This study, led by Imperial College London, is about a common brain condition called 'small vessel disease'. This condition affects tiny blood vessels in the brain and can sometimes lead to strokes or memory problems, especially as people get older. Researchers want to understand why this happens and how it affects people differently, as currently there aren't many treatments. They hope to find new ways to help in the future. If you take part, you'll allow researchers to look at your medical notes, answer questions about your health and lifestyle, and do some simple thinking tests. Some people might have an in-person visit with more detailed checks. The study aims to follow people over time to see how the condition progresses.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

03 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2035

Cerebral small vessel disease

What is this study about?

When we get older, tiny blood vessels deep inside our brains can change. Doctors can often see these changes on a brain scan, and they call this 'small vessel disease'. For many people, these changes are just a normal part of getting older and don't cause any problems. However, if these changes become more severe, they can sometimes lead to serious health issues, such as strokes, bleeding in the brain, or problems with memory and thinking (which can be a sign of dementia).

Right now, doctors don't fully understand why these changes happen, and because of this, there aren't many specific treatments available. This is partly because small vessel disease can affect people in many different ways, and it's hard to measure what’s truly going on with these tiny blood vessels. This research study aims to change that. Researchers at Imperial College London want to learn much more about small vessel disease.

The main goal of this study is to get a much clearer picture of how small vessel disease works. By including a wide range of people with the condition and doing more detailed tests, they hope to discover new insights. They will also follow people over many years to see how the condition affects their health over time. This information is crucial for developing better ways to treat small vessel disease in the future and could lead to new medicines or other treatments.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand 'small vessel disease' in the brain better.
Hopes to find new ways to treat or manage the condition in the future.
Involves interviews, thinking tests, and reviewing medical records.
Some participants will have an in-person visit with more detailed checks.
Requires living in North-West London and having specific brain scan findings.
Participation involves follow-up appointments over several years.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 120 who live in North-West London. You might be able to join if you've had a brain scan at one of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust hospitals that showed signs of changes in the small blood vessels – even if these changes are mild, as often seen with aging. You would also need to be able to give your consent to take part, or have a family member or legal representative do so if you're unable to.

You might not be able to join if you have certain other brain conditions like multiple sclerosis, a major brain injury, or a brain tumour that caused swelling. You're also unlikely to be eligible if you've already been diagnosed with dementia, are very dependent on others for your daily care, or if your small vessel disease is known to be caused by a specific genetic problem. Women who are currently pregnant also cannot take part.

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 18 to 120 years old?
Do you live in North-West London?
Have you had a brain scan at an Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust hospital showing signs of small vessel changes?
Are you able to give your consent to join the study?
Have you NOT been diagnosed with dementia?
Are you NOT pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked for permission for the research team to review your past and future medical records. You'll then have an interview, which can be done over the phone. During this interview, you'll be asked about your health history, your family's health, and your lifestyle. You'll also complete some simple tests that look at your thinking and memory skills.

For some participants, particularly those with more noticeable changes on their brain scans, there will be an in-person visit lasting about 2 hours. This visit will involve some physical tests to check your movement and balance, special ultrasound scans to see how blood flows to your brain, and some blood tests for research purposes. These interviews and tests will be repeated after 1 year and again after 5 years, so the research team can track any changes over time.

Potential risks and benefits

The tests involved in this study are all considered very safe and are not expected to cause any significant harm. One specific test, which measures blood flow to the brain, involves breathing a special air mixture with a very small amount of carbon dioxide (similar to the air we naturally breathe out). While this is safe, a few people might feel a little breathless during this part. A potential benefit of taking part is that the research team's review of your health might pick up on medical issues that could be helpful for your doctors to know about, though this is not the main aim of the study. You are always free to stop taking part in the study at any time, without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Unverified
London, England

Common questions

What is 'small vessel disease'?

It's when tiny blood vessels deep inside your brain show changes, often seen on brain scans as people get older. It can sometimes lead to strokes or memory problems.

Will this study offer me a new treatment?

No, this study is about understanding the condition better, not directly testing new treatments. It aims to gather information that could help develop new treatments in the future.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study aims to follow participants for a long time, with check-ups at 1 year and 5 years after your first assessment.

Do I need to live near Imperial College London to join?

Yes, you need to live in North-West London and have had a brain scan at an Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust hospital.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the Stroke Association (a charity), generous donations, and Imperial College London.

How to find out more

Alastair Webb

accessicl@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0)7885610867 Official trial record

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