RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of the Link Between Carotid Arterial Wall Viscosity and Major Neurocognitive Disorders

Researchers are studying the 'gooeyness' (viscosity) of the carotid arteries in the neck. Think of your blood vessels as having both a stretchy and a slightly 'gooey' quality. This study aims to find out if changes in this 'gooeyness' are connected to memory issues like Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. We already know that stiffness in these blood vessels might play a role in these conditions, but the 'gooey' part hasn't been looked at much. By examining this, we hope to better understand how our blood vessels affect brain health and potentially discover new ways to help people with memory problems.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Rouen

Enrolment target

140

Start

15 Feb 2022

Estimated completion

15 May 2028

Neurocognitive Disorders Alzheimer's Disease

What is this study about?

Imagine your blood vessels aren't just stiff, elastic tubes, but also have a slightly 'gooey' quality, like a slow-moving syrup. Scientists call this 'viscosity'. When your heart beats, blood pushes through your arteries, making them stretch. When your heart rests between beats, your arteries snap back. This study is looking at that 'gooey' part of your neck arteries (carotid arteries) – how quickly they return to their original shape after being stretched by blood flow.

We know that very stiff arteries can be linked to memory problems like Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. This is because stiffness can send stronger 'pulses' of blood to the brain, which might cause damage over time. But the 'gooey' quality of these arteries, or how sticky and resistant they are to stretching and relaxing, hasn't been studied much in relation to these brain conditions. We believe it might also play an important role.

By measuring this 'gooeyness' in people with and without memory problems, researchers hope to understand if there's a connection. This improved understanding could one day help us find new ways to detect, prevent, or even treat these types of dementia. It's all about exploring how the health of our blood vessels impacts the health of our brains.

Key takeaways

The study explores the 'gooey' flexibility (viscosity) of neck arteries.
It aims to link this 'gooeyness' to Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Participation involves non-invasive assessments, likely like an ultrasound.
This is a research study to understand dementia better, not a treatment.
No new medications are involved in this research.
It’s for people over 70 with existing memory concerns.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 70 or over who are already seeing a doctor for memory concerns. This could be because they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia using specific medical guidelines (called DSM-5 criteria), or because they have memory complaints but haven't been diagnosed with dementia yet. You'll also need to have had a brain MRI scan recently, or have one planned as part of your memory check-up.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe narrowing or blockages in your neck arteries, or if you've had surgery on them. Other reasons include certain heart rhythm problems (like permanent atrial fibrillation), being very confused, or having certain severe mental health conditions. If you have other types of dementia that aren't Alzheimer's or vascular dementia, you also won't be able to take part. Finally, if you're unable to have an MRI scan or have another serious, uncontrolled health problem, you wouldn't be suitable.

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 70 years old or older?
Are you currently seeing a neurologist or geriatrician for memory problems?
Do you have a brain MRI scan from within the last year, or one planned soon?
Have you been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia, or do you have memory complaints but no dementia diagnosis yet?
Are you able to undergo an MRI (if needed) and don't have severe carotid artery blockages or certain heart conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve assessing the 'gooeyness' of the blood vessel walls in your neck. This is a non-invasive assessment, likely using equipment similar to an ultrasound scan, which measures how your arteries stretch and relax with each heartbeat. There's no mention of taking new medication as part of this study. The study aims to gather information at a single point in time, focusing on comparing current measurements between different groups of people. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time it takes to complete these assessments, potentially lasting only a single visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your health immediately, but the information gained could help future patients by improving our understanding of dementia. The assessments are generally very safe and non-invasive, similar to what you might experience during a regular check-up. There are no known specific risks mentioned for measuring carotid wall viscosity. However, as with any study, there's always a small chance of unexpected discomfort. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Rouen Hospital
Verified postcode
Rouen, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are carotid arteries?

These are the main blood vessels in your neck that carry blood to your brain.

What does 'viscosity' mean in this study?

Think of it as the 'gooeyness' or resistance to change in the blood vessel walls, separate from how stretchy they are. How easily they stretch and then return to their original shape.

Will I have to take new medication if I join?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medication.

Will this study cure my memory problems?

No, this is a research study to understand more about dementia, not a treatment study. It aims to gather information that might help develop future treatments.

What is an MRI and why do I need one?

An MRI is a type of scan that takes detailed pictures of your brain. The study needs this to understand your brain health as part of checking for memory conditions.

How to find out more

Frédéric FR ROCA, Doctor

frederic.roca@chu-rouen.fr 02 32 88 05 39 Official trial record

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