RecruitingNCT05372159

Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project

Sponsor

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Enrollment

1,000 participants

Start Date

Sep 17, 2012

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Cognitive Dysfunction Biomarkers Alzheimer Disease Aging Brain Aged, 80 and Over Case-Control Studies Neuropsychological Tests

Summary

This study will use an observational cohort to cross-sectionally and longitudinally relate vascular health to clinical, imaging, and biological markers of early Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease among aging adults. Adjusting for relevant clinical covariates, we will test the hypothesis that vascular health is associated with clinical, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuropsychological, and cerebrospinal fluid markers of early cerebrovascular and Alzheimer's disease changes (i.e., prior to the onset of significant cognitive decline or dementia). Secondarily, we will examine medical and genetic factors that might mediate associations between vascular health and brain aging, such as inflammatory processes, insulin resistance, and genetic factors (e.g., APOE, a susceptibility risk factor for dementia). Findings will advance knowledge regarding the role that vascular health plays in brain aging.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Participants recruited will include 1,000 adults age 50 and older.
After the eligibility visit, a small portion of participants (\~150) enrolling must meet diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment according to a clinician diagnosis and/or medical records (i.e., participants must have mild memory or cognitive problems, but they must be free of any functional problems and not have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia). The remaining \~850 participants will be cognitively unimpaired adults age 50 and older.
Because the neuropsychological tests used to measure cognitive performance are validated on English-speaking populations, we require that English be the primary language of all participants.

Exclusion Criteria7

No available reliable study partner
Diagnosis of congestive heart failure
Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or other heart arrhythmia
Diagnosis of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Diagnosis of cancer (current)
History of serious alcohol or drug abuse (past or current)
Participants unable to undergo MRI will be excluded. Reasons may include: a. Subjects who have any type of bioimplant activated by mechanical, electronic, or magnetic means (e.g., cochlear implants, pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, electronic infusion pumps, etc.). b. Subjects who have any type of ferromagnetic bioimplant that could potentially be displaced. c. Subjects who have cerebral aneurysm clips. d. Subjects who may have shrapnel imbedded in their bodies (e.g., from war wounds), metal workers and machinists (e.g., potential for metallic fragments in or near the eyes). e. Subjects who are pregnant. Given that the minimum age of recruitment for the current study is 50 years of age, it is unlikely that prospective participants will be excluded because of pregnancy. f. Subjects who have excessive amounts of metal dental work based on records released by their dentist.