Actively Recruiting
Cerebrovascular Responses to Acute Hypoperfusion in Adults Aged 55 to 69 Years
Led by University of Wisconsin, Madison · Updated on 2026-03-02
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how blood flow in the brain changes with age, focusing on adults aged 55 to 69. The study aims to understand why some people experience faster declines in brain blood flow, which can increase the risk of cognitive problems. This research addresses a lack of human studies on how blood flow is controlled in the brain during changes in body position and breathing conditions. Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans while performing tasks that simulate changes in posture and breathing increased levels of carbon dioxide. The study includes administration of a drug called prazosin or a placebo, with the dose adjusted for body weight. These procedures will help measure how the brain's blood vessels respond to these challenges. During the study, participants will attend two visits, each lasting up to 240 minutes, where blood flow and blood velocity changes will be recorded. Researchers will monitor cerebrovascular responses using MRI, track participants' adherence, and assess safety. The trial is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and healthy volunteers between 55 and 69 years old with specific health criteria may join. The study is planned to end in January 2027.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Blood Vessel Responses to Changes in Blood Flow
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between the ages of 55-69 years
- Have a BMI less than or equal to 34.5 kg/m2
- Nonsmoker
- Are less than 72 in (182.88 cm) height
- Females must be postmenopausal
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD)
- History or evidence of hepatic disease, hematological disease, or peripheral vascular disease; severe kidney injury requiring hemodialysis
- History of cardiovascular disease including: severe congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease (stents, coronary artery bypass grafts) and tachycardia
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- History of clinically significant ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or significant cerebrovascular disease
- Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea
- History of diabetes with HbA1c greater than 9.5%
- Major neurologic disorders other than dementia (e.g., MS, ALS, brain surgery, etc.)
- Current or recent (<1 year) major psychiatric condition (Axis I) or addictive disorders
- Significant surgical history
- Other significant medical conditions at investigators' discretion
- Contraindications to MRI
- Prescribed medications that interfere with prazosin
- Lactose allergy
- Lower body will not fit in lower body negative pressure (LBNP) chamber (regardless of overall height and BMI).
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.
Duration - Up to 240 minutes over two study visits
Participants will undergo an MRI scan while performing breathing and a simulated postural change task to assess cerebrovascular responses.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53705
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Anna Howery
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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