Imaging Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease - an Exploratory PET Study

What this Trial Is About

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia affecting older adults, and it often involves problems with blood flow and sugar use in the brain. This study aims to better understand how these brain changes differ in people with Alzheimer's disease who also have type 2 diabetes compared to those without diabetes and healthy older adults. Researchers hope to identify early brain changes that may contribute to cognitive decline using advanced imaging techniques. The study involves three groups: people with suspected Alzheimer's disease without diabetes, those with Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes, and healthy age-matched controls. Participants will undergo two types of positron emission tomography (PET) scans; one measures brain glucose transport and metabolism using a radioactive sugar tracer, and the other assesses brain blood flow and vessel function after a medication called acetazolamide. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be performed if recent scans are unavailable. Cognitive tests will evaluate memory and thinking skills. Participants will attend 2 to 3 study visits lasting about 2 hours each. During these visits, brain imaging scans, cognitive assessments, and other clinical data such as blood pressure and metabolic measures will be collected. The primary outcomes include measuring glucose transport in the brain and related imaging markers, while secondary outcomes relate these findings to cognitive performance. Safety is carefully monitored throughout, and participants may withdraw at any time without affecting their clinical care. The study runs from March 2026 through December 2026, with results expected by September 2027.

Brain Blood Flow and Sugar Transport in Alzheimer's Disease With and Without Diabetes - A Pilot Imaging Study