The Imperial Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment in Cerebrovascular Disease (IC3)
This research, called IC3, is looking into how strokes affect people's memory and thinking. Many stroke survivors experience changes in these abilities, which can make recovery harder. Currently, there isn't a perfect way to check for these changes. This study is creating a new digital test, the Imperial Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment in Cerebrovascular Disease (IC3), that people can do themselves, making it easier and quicker to spot problems. The IC3 test will be checked against other methods and used to track how thinking skills change over a year after a stroke. Researchers will also look at brain scans and blood tests to find new ways to predict who might benefit most from certain treatments. The goal is to help doctors provide better, more personalised care for stroke survivors.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has a stroke, it can sometimes affect their brain in ways that change how they think, remember things, or solve problems. These changes are called cognitive deficits, and they can make daily life and recovery after a stroke more challenging. Doctors know this is a big problem for many stroke survivors, but it's currently quite difficult to get a complete picture of these changes, and there aren't many standard ways to keep track of them over time.
This important study aims to tackle this challenge by developing a brand new digital tool called the Imperial Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment in Cerebrovascular Disease, or IC3 for short. Think of it as a clever computer-based test that you can do mostly by yourself. It's designed to be quick and easy to use, spotting a wide range of thinking and memory difficulties that can happen after a stroke. The study plans to make sure this new IC3 test is really accurate and reliable, comparing it with existing tests and using it with a large group of people who haven't had a stroke to make sure it works well.
But that's not all. This research isn't just about the digital test. It's also part of a larger study that will follow stroke survivors for a year. During this time, researchers will use the IC3 test, along with special brain scans (MRIs) and blood tests. By putting all this information together, they hope to discover new clues (called 'biomarkers') that can help predict how someone's thinking skills might recover after a stroke. The ultimate goal is to help doctors target treatments and support more precisely, giving stroke survivors the best chance for recovery and better quality of life.
Key takeaways
- New digital test (IC3) to assess thinking skills after stroke.
- Aims to improve long-term support for stroke survivors.
- Combines digital tests, brain scans, and blood tests.
- Helps identify new ways to predict stroke recovery.
- Participation involves assessments over a year, no new medications.
- Helps improve care for future stroke patients.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. If you've had a stroke, doctors would need to have officially confirmed this. A key requirement is being able to focus for about 15 minutes at a time, as this is needed to complete the thinking and memory tests.
However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you had a diagnosis of dementia before your stroke, or if you have severe problems with eyesight, tiredness, or mental health issues, this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if you have severe hearing loss and also struggle with understanding what you read, you wouldn't be able to take part.
There's also a separate part of the study that involves brain scans (MRI). If you're pregnant, have certain metal implants in your body, or experience severe claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) which would make an MRI difficult, you wouldn't be able to participate in the MRI part of the study.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Has a doctor confirmed you've had a stroke?
- Can you concentrate for about 15 minutes at a time?
- Have you been diagnosed with dementia *before* your stroke?
- Do you have severe problems with your eyesight, extreme tiredness, or serious mental health issues?
- Are you pregnant or do you have metal implants in your body (for the MRI part)?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete the new digital IC3 assessment tool. This involves doing a series of short computer-based tasks, along with some questionnaires, which should take about 60-70 minutes in total. This assessment can often be done quite independently, without a healthcare professional needing to be there for the whole time.
Beyond the IC3 assessment, the study involves regular check-ups over the course of a year after your stroke. These will include additional cognitive assessments to track any changes in your thinking and memory. You will also have blood tests taken at different times during the year. Some participants will also have brain MRI scans. The study doesn't involve any new medication; it's focused on understanding and measuring recovery. The specific number of visits and tests will be explained in full detail if you are considered for the study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'cognitive deficit'?
This means changes in how your brain handles thinking, remembering, learning, or solving problems after a stroke.
What is the IC3 test?
It's a new digital computer test designed to check your memory and thinking skills quickly and easily after a stroke.
Do I need to be good with computers to do the IC3 test?
The test is designed to be user-friendly, and you will receive instructions on how to use it. No special computer skills are needed.
What are 'biomarkers'?
These are things in your body, like certain substances in your blood or patterns on a brain scan, that can give clues about your health or recovery.
Will this study offer me a new treatment?
No, this study is focused on developing and testing a new assessment tool and understanding stroke recovery, not on new treatments. However, the findings aim to improve future treatments.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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