Actively Recruiting
Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration
Led by University of California, Irvine · Updated on 2026-01-23
300
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
503 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, Irvine
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this research study is to understand the factors that underlie changes in thinking and memory with increasing age. The investigators will test the usefulness of MRI, PET, and cognitive testing in detecting subtle changes in the brain that precede cognitive decline. An addendum to this study includes additional PET scans to examine the relationship between tau protein in the brain and cognitive decline. Tau is a protein that is known to form tangles in the areas of the brain important for memory, and these tau tangles are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This sub-study research aims to look at the tau accumulation in the brain using an investigational drug called MK-6240, which is a radio tracer that gets injected prior to a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 60 or older
- Speaks fluent English or Spanish
- Adequate vision and hearing for neuropsychological and computerized testing
- Good general health without diseases expected to interfere with the study
- Willing and able to participate in all study procedures including MRI and PET scans
- Normal cognition defined by Clinical Dementia Rating of 0 and Mini-Mental State Examination score of 25 or higher; FAST Stage 1 or 2
- Includes those with subjective memory or other cognitive complaints
You will not qualify if you...
- Significant neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain cyst, tumor, or aneurysm
- Major health conditions except Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension
- Significant psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or ADHD; depression and anxiety are not exclusionary
- Existing diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment
- Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years
- MRI contraindications including pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments or foreign objects in the body; pregnant or trying to become pregnant females
- PET contraindications including significant prior radiation exposure and pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, California, United States, 92697
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Evelyn Chang, BA
CONTACT
N
Novelle Meza, BS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
9
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