Study of Brain Function and Blood Flow Changes Before and After Carotid Artery Stenting for Carotid Artery Disease

What this Trial Is About

Decreased blood flow to the brain, caused by carotid artery disease, can lead to reduced cognitive function. Researchers are evaluating how carotid stenosis and brain hypoperfusion affect neurocognitive performance. This study also investigates whether inflammation markers in the blood relate to cognitive changes before and after carotid artery stenting. The research is designed as a pilot study involving 20 patients meeting specific carotid stenosis criteria. Participants will undergo carotid artery stenting and have neurocognitive testing at two time points before the procedure 2 months and 1 month prior and two time points after the procedure 1 month and 2 months post-stenting. Blood samples will be collected before and after stenting to measure inflammatory biomarkers. Magnetic resonance angiography scans will be done one month before and two months after the intervention to assess cerebral blood flow changes. During the study, participants will complete various neurocognitive tests covering memory, executive function, attention, language, visuospatial abilities, global cognition, premorbid intelligence, and mood. Blood tests will measure markers linked to inflammation and endothelial activation. Researchers will analyze these data alongside clinical factors to understand cognitive changes related to carotid intervention. The total study participation includes pre- and post-intervention assessments over approximately four months.

Assessing Neurocognition After Cerebrovascular Intervention