Alzheimer Disease

The 100-Year Human Aging Study is a long-term observational research project enrolling adult participants to undergo detailed multi-system health screenings and follow them throughout their lives until death. The study aims to identify which health measurements taken at enrollment and repeatedly over time can predict overall mortality, cause-specific death, serious diseases, and functional disability. It addresses the current lack of validated longevity measures by generating data on how various physiological and cognitive functions relate to aging outcomes. Participants undergo a comprehensive clinical screening that includes tests of cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, mobility, neurocognitive performance, sensory functions, and metabolic health. Structural imaging assessments like DEXA scans, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, retinal photography, and vascular ultrasound are performed. Laboratory tests and detailed medical, social, and environmental histories are also collected. The study allows participation from single tests up to a full two-visit screening, with repeat testing encouraged to track health changes over time. Throughout the study, participants receive individualized reports with investigational estimates of biological age and predicted mortality risks, which are being evaluated against actual health outcomes. Researchers collect data continuously on mortality, disease occurrence, disability, and health behavior changes. The study involves ongoing follow-up with periodic assessments and aims to preserve all collected data for future analyses, with participant involvement potentially spanning their entire lifespan.

This research focuses on elderly patients hospitalized in Continuing and Rehabilitation Care Units, many of whom suffer from neurodegenerative diseases and need personalized rehabilitation care. The study evaluates the use of ergonomic cutlery handles tailored to patients hand grip ability, aiming to improve their autonomy during meals and potentially reduce malnutrition risks. These custom handles are made using 3D printing technology, offering a lightweight and inexpensive alternative to standard adapted cutlery. Participants will start with a functional and joint assessment of their hand to determine the optimal diameter for the cutlery handles 25, 30, 35, or 40 mm. Their autonomy in eating and the amount of food consumed will be measured at three lunch times before using the adapted handles Day 0, the first lunch using the handles Day 1, and after three days of use Day 3. Ergotherapists will also assess upper limb compensations during meals without and with the technical aid. Throughout the study, participants autonomy in eating is evaluated using the Katz scale, with additional assessments by ergotherapists and dieticians. The study tracks changes in food intake and physical compensations over three days, ending after the Day 3 assessments. The main outcome measured is patients food autonomy at Day 1, with secondary outcomes including autonomy and food intake at Day 3 and upper limb compensations. Participation lasts only through the initial assessment and the three-day intervention period.

Researchers are investigating the effects of deep brain stimulation DBS on brain function in patients with various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinsons disease, essential tremor, dystonia, depression, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and Alzheimers disease. This prospective cohort study aims to use advanced MRI techniques, particularly functional MRI fMRI, to better understand how DBS influences brain circuits and to explore whether fMRI can aid clinical practice in managing DBS therapy. Participants in this study include patients who will undergo or have already undergone DBS electrode placement. The study involves performing structural MRI scans using 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla machines as well as resting state and task-based fMRI scans. DBS patients will be scanned while their devices are programmed at different stimulation settings, including switched off and switched on states. The fMRI results will be shared with clinicians to help guide DBS programming decisions. During the study, participants will have multiple brain scans from three months before DBS implantation to one year after. Researchers will assess brain areas activated by DBS, examine structural and functional brain connectivity through MRI, and monitor clinical outcomes. The study includes regular evaluations to observe how DBS impacts brain function over time, aiming to improve post-operative follow-up and optimize treatment for these patients.

Cognitive impairment related to dementia is often missed in primary care, especially among older adults from minority and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Researchers are evaluating the 5-Cog brief cognitive assessment, a quick, simple, and standardized tool that takes less than 5 minutes and addresses cultural and logistical barriers. This pragmatic cluster-randomized trial aims to test whether the 5-Cog paradigm improves detection of new cases of cognitive impairment and dementia care in older adults with cognitive concerns. The study involves 22 primary care clinics in Bronx and Indiana, enrolling about 6,600 patients aged 65 and older who report cognitive concerns. Participants receive either the 5-Cog battery combined with a clinical decision-making tool or enhanced usual care, which includes cognitive concern screening. The 5-Cog battery includes tests like Picture Memory Impairment Screen, Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome diagnosis, and Symbol Match. Primary care physicians receive results and decision support but use their clinical judgment in care decisions. Participants undergo cognitive concern screening before their appointments. Researchers will review new cognitive impairment diagnoses and improvements in dementia care within 90 days after the primary care visit using electronic medical records. Additional evaluations include tests for reversible causes, medication changes, specialist referrals, and social support. The study also examines the 5-Cog paradigms implementation and cost-effectiveness, focusing on populations facing health disparities. Total participation duration varies by patient and clinic schedule.

Researchers are evaluating the use of 18F-MFBG PET scans to assess heart nerve activity in people with Parkinsons disease PD, multiple system atrophy MSA, dementia with Lewy bodies DLB, and Alzheimers disease AD. The study compares this method with the current standard 123I-MIBG SPECT scans, focusing on distinguishing between PD and MSA as well as DLB and AD. This is a prospective study conducted at two centers, aiming to validate the accuracy and feasibility of 18F-MFBG PET for these neurological conditions. Participants will undergo several imaging tests including dynamic cardiac 18F-MFBG PET, 123I-MIBG SPECT, and cerebral 18F-PE2I PET scans. Healthy volunteers and patients with confirmed diagnoses will be included, with groups divided by age and disease duration. A dosimetry study will also be conducted for healthy volunteers to measure radiation exposure from 18F-MFBG. Multiple visits to the hospital are required for scans and assessments. During the study, participants will have thorough neurological assessments, brain MRI scans, and blood sampling alongside PET and SPECT imaging. Researchers will evaluate diagnostic accuracy, effect size of tracer uptake changes, and relationships between heart nerve imaging and brain dopamine transporter changes and autonomic dysfunction. The study includes monitoring for safety and will analyze regional heart uptake patterns. Participants can expect 3 to 4 hospital visits with detailed imaging and clinical evaluations over the study period.

Researchers are evaluating a new imaging method to detect the accumulation of a protein called TDP-43, which is linked to rare brain diseases like frontotemporal dementia FTD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS. The study aims to see if the new PET tracer, called 18FACI-19626, is safe when injected and if it can reliably show abnormal TDP-43 in the brain. The study includes both healthy people and those suspected of having TDP-43 protein buildup to compare differences. The study involves up to 45 participants split into groups healthy controls, symptomatic gene mutation carriers with FTD, and patients with other TDP-43 related diseases. Participants receive an intravenous injection of 18FACI-19626 followed by a PET scan to track the tracers brain uptake. Some participants may have a second PET scan within a month to check if the results are consistent. The study lasts up to 3 months, including screening, scanning, and follow-up. During the study, participants will undergo physical and neurological exams, questionnaires, blood and urine tests, ECGs, and sometimes MRI scans to confirm eligibility and health status. After the PET scan, blood samples are taken, and participants receive a phone call 2 to 4 days later to monitor any side effects. The main measurements include safety assessments, brain uptake of the tracer, and how well the scans can quantify TDP-43. The study also evaluates radiation exposure and tracer consistency between scans.

Researchers are investigating the early brain regions involved in Alzheimers disease and its precursors using novel molecular probes 18FAV45 Ab2 and 18FAV1451 Tau with PETCT imaging. This study aims to understand the distribution of positive brain lesions affecting mental state tests like the simple mental state examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale in Alzheimers patients. The goal is to provide molecular imaging information that may help study Alzheimers disease mechanisms and establish objective diagnostic criteria for early detection. The study uses new imaging agents Ab2 and Tau PETCT, which can detect pathological changes at the molecular level before symptoms appear. These molecular probes offer earlier and more visual detection of Alzheimers disease-related changes, helping to define positive diagnostic criteria for early Alzheimers disease. Participants include groups with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimers disease, and healthy volunteers. Participants will be assessed through PETCT imaging using these molecular probes to observe brain pathology. Researchers will evaluate the diagnostic criteria for Ab2 and Tau imaging within two months. The study includes cognitive tests and clinical dementia rating scales. This observational study involves healthy volunteers and patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimers disease, aiming to improve early diagnosis through imaging techniques.

Researchers are evaluating the use of 18FNIDF PET imaging to visualize abnormal tau protein pathology in the brains of living humans. This technique targets tau neurofibrillary tangles, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and other tauopathies. The study focuses on assessing the safety and diagnostic effectiveness of this imaging agent, which may offer advantages over existing tau PET tracers due to its stronger binding and lower off-target effects. Participants will receive a single intravenous injection of approximately 10 b1 3 mCi of 18FNIDF. Following the injection, a PETCT scan will be performed to capture images showing the distribution of the tracer in the brain. The study includes both healthy volunteers and patients with cognitive impairment or probable Alzheimers disease. There is only one main study period involving this single injection and imaging session. During the study, participants will be monitored for safety from the time of injection up to seven days afterward. The primary assessments include safety evaluation and measuring how the tracer spreads in the body during the PETCT scan on the injection day. Researchers will also evaluate the diagnostic performance of the imaging over a two-week period from enrollment to the end of imaging. Participants involvement is limited to the injection, scanning, and follow-up safety checks.

Researchers are evaluating the use of PET imaging with the radioligand 18FPI-2620 to detect tau protein deposits in people with Alzheimers disease and healthy controls. This open-label, multi-center, non-randomized Phase 3 study aims to compare PET imaging results during life with brain tissue analysis after death to better understand tau pathology in Alzheimers. The study is sponsored by Lantheus Biosciences Ltd. and focuses on diagnostic accuracy and safety of this imaging technique. Participants receive an intravenous injection of 18FPI-2620 at a dose of 185 MBq 20%. The study involves a PET scan procedure that participants must tolerate, including lying still in the scanner. There are no randomized groups or placebo controls as this is an open-label study. The research compares the PET imaging findings with post-mortem brain autopsy results to evaluate the ability of this imaging to detect tau deposits accurately. During the study, participants undergo PET imaging and are monitored for their ability to tolerate the scan. Brain donation consent is required for post-mortem histopathological comparison. Researchers assess the diagnostic performance of the PET scan in correctly identifying tau-related pathology and Alzheimers disease changes. The primary outcome focuses on the accuracy of visual assessment of PET images compared to autopsy findings, with follow-up continuing until study completion and an average of one year after death.

Researchers are evaluating MK-2214, a study treatment designed to slow brain changes in people with early Alzheimers disease AD. AD is a form of dementia that causes memory loss, communication difficulties, and challenges in decision-making, affecting daily tasks. This phase 2 trial aims to determine if MK-2214 slows the spread of tau protein in the brain compared to a placebo, as well as to assess the safety and tolerability of MK-2214. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either MK-2214 or a placebo through intravenous IV infusion every 4 weeks during the study. The study uses a parallel design with quadruple masking to compare the effects of the study drug versus placebo over a period of up to approximately 23 months. Both groups receive infusions on the same schedule to maintain the studys integrity. During the study, participants will undergo brain scans including positron emission tomography PET to measure tau protein levels and other assessments such as cognitive and daily living function tests. Researchers will monitor adverse events and treatment discontinuations throughout the study, which lasts up to about 26 months. These assessments help determine the impact of MK-2214 on disease progression and safety in individuals with early AD.