Actively Recruiting
Amyloid PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Led by National Institute on Aging (NIA) · Updated on 2026-05-14
400
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
186 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: Some people experience cognitive decline as they age. That is, they lose memory, problem-solving, and other mental abilities. Amyloids are groups of proteins that develop in the brain and increase in number as people age. Researchers want to use imaging scans to track amyloids in people s brains over time. Their goal is to find out if any changes are related to cognitive decline or other medical issues. Objective: To learn how amyloids may affect brain structure and function as people age. Eligibility: People aged 55 years and older who are enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Design: Participants will have imaging scans and other tests every 1 to 4 years, depending on their age. Those 80 and older will be scanned yearly. These scans will be done during regular BLSA visits. The scans will be positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET CT). Participants will be given fluid through a tube inserted into a vein in their arm. The fluid is a tracer that will cause the amyloids to light up in the images. Then they will lie on a bed with their head inside a PET CT scanner. They will lie still for about 30 minutes. Participants will have tests to assess their memory and other mental skills. They will answer questions about their mood and daily life. These tests will take about 40 minutes to complete; they may be done in person or by phone. Participants will give a contact number for someone who can answer questions about the participant s daily routine. These questions may be answered in person or by phone. Participants will be in this study for 5 years.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Amyloid PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must be men or women aged 55 years or older from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).
- Must be enrolled in the BLSA sample with its gender and ethnic characteristics.
- Must have had or agree to have an MRI as part of the BLSA study.
- Must be able to provide informed consent to participate.
- Enrollment is defined by the initial imaging session of the longitudinal study.
You will not qualify if you...
- History of central nervous system diseases such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
- Weight over 300 pounds.
- Active metastatic cancer except basal cell cancer.
- Implanted electronic hearing devices or pacemaker.
- History of brain tumor or shrapnel.
- Breast cancer with radiation treatment.
- Lymphoma.
- Language barrier preventing understanding of the study.
- Aneurysms larger than 3mm or aneurysm clips.
- Use of Parkinson's disease medications.
- Severe endocrinopathy; treated thyroid conditions and controlled diabetes (HbA1c over 8 excluded).
- Diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
- Younger than 55 years.
- 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 unless reviewed and cleared by a diagnostic case conference.
AI-Screening
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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
CONTACT
L
Luigi Ferrucci, M.D.
CONTACT
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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