Actively Recruiting
Amyloid PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)
Led by National Institute on Aging (NIA) · Updated on 2026-06-08
400
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how amyloid proteins in the brain may affect memory, thinking, and brain function as people age. This study focuses on adults aged 55 and older who participate in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The goal is to observe changes in brain amyloid levels and how these relate to cognitive decline or dementia, while also exploring factors like sex differences, genetics, and hormone effects that could influence brain aging. Participants will undergo positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET CT) scans using a tracer to highlight amyloid presence in the brain. These scans will occur every 1 to 4 years depending on age, with yearly scans for those 80 and older. Alongside imaging, participants will complete memory and mental skill tests and answer questions about mood and daily life. The study includes ongoing evaluation and integration with autopsy data for some participants. Throughout the 5-year study, participants will have regular visits to undergo scans, cognitive assessments, and questionnaires either in person or by phone. A contact person may also provide information about the participant’s daily routine. Researchers will monitor amyloid accumulation over time and examine its relationship with cognitive changes. The study aims to improve understanding of brain aging and identify early indicators of cognitive impairment.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Amyloid PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 55 years and older from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
- Participants who have had or agreed to have an MRI scan under the BLSA study
- Participants able to provide informed consent
- Participants who represent the gender and ethnic characteristics of the BLSA sample
You will not qualify if you...
- Preexisting central nervous system diseases such as dementia, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
- Weight over 300 pounds
- Active metastatic cancer (except basal cell cancer)
- Implanted electronic hearing devices
- History of breast cancer with radiation treatment
- Lymphoma
- Pacemaker
- Brain tumor or shrapnel
- Language barriers affecting understanding
- Aneurysms greater than 3mm or aneurysm clips
- Use of Parkinson's disease medications
- Severe endocrinopathy (treated thyroid and controlled diabetes allowed; poorly controlled diabetes excluded)
- Pregnancy
- Ineligibility for MRI
- History of stroke or transient ischemic attacks requiring hospitalization
- Known brain vascular malformations or adenomas
- History of significant radiation exposure
- Blessed score of 4 or more without dementia diagnosis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to several years until study completion
Participants undergo longitudinal amyloid PET imaging and neuroimaging assessments to observe changes in brain amyloid levels and brain structure over time.
Multiple visits in conjunction with Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21224
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
W
Wendy D Elkins
L
Luigi Ferrucci, M.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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