Mild Cognitive Impairment

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.

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 investigating how the antidepressant citalopram affects the brains response to emotional information, focusing on the amygdala, a key brain area involved in depression. This study explores how different parts of the amygdala react to positive and negative emotional stimuli, using advanced brain scanning technology to understand the underlying brain mechanisms. Participants will receive a single oral dose of either 20 mg citalopram or a placebo in a randomized, double-blind design. After dosing, participants will undergo high-strength 7T fMRI brain scans while viewing emotional faces. This precise imaging allows researchers to observe how citalopram influences specific subfields of the amygdala during emotional processing. Participants will be screened for medical and psychiatric health before joining. During the study, brain activity and behavioral responses such as accuracy and reaction time during a gender discrimination task will be measured about three hours after dosing. The study includes safety monitoring and lasts for a few hours on the study day, focusing on neural and behavioral outcomes related to emotional processing.

Researchers are studying the brains action observation network AON, which is involved in understanding and imitating movements, especially focusing on subcortical areas and the cerebellum. The study aims to explore how this network functions in healthy individuals and in people with Cerebral Palsy CP who have early brain injuries. This research seeks to understand differences in brain activation patterns and their relation to clinical features in CP patients using advanced imaging techniques. Participants will undergo a 7 Tesla MRI scan using a high-resolution functional and anatomical protocol. The MRI will capture detailed images of brain structures including the cerebral cortex, subcortical nuclei, and cerebellum. Visual tasks involving observation of hand movements and tool use will be presented during the scan. CP patients will also receive a full clinical assessment before the MRI. The study includes both healthy volunteers and CP patients, with careful monitoring of participant compliance to avoid motion artifacts. During the study, researchers will evaluate brain activation and connectivity maps of the AON from the 7T MRI data. Participants motor functions and clinical characteristics will be assessed for correlation with imaging results. The study involves observation during MRI scanning, clinical assessments, and monitoring of participants responses to visual stimuli. This trial is expected to provide detailed insights into brain network organization and its changes in CP. The total participation includes MRI scanning and clinical evaluations around a single visit.

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 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 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.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a cognitive nutritional supplement on attention and focus in adults aged 25 to 65 years. This 12-week, double-blind, randomized study compares the supplement to a placebo in a general population of men and women in the United States, aiming to assess changes in cognitive functions related to attention and focus. Participants will take either pills of the cognitive nutritional supplement or matching placebo pills daily for 12 weeks. The study is conducted in a parallel design with two groups, where neither participants nor researchers know which treatment is given. Key assessments occur at the start, midpoint week 6, and end week 12 of the study. During the study, participants will use a study-provided iPad to complete various cognitive tests measuring attention and focus, including the Feature Match test and other related assessments at weeks 0, 6, and 12. Dietary intake and nutrient consumption are also monitored through food frequency questionnaires. Safety and adherence are tracked throughout the study period, with participants following specific guidelines on diet, physical activity, and substance use to ensure consistent testing conditions.

Researchers are conducting a 12-week single-group clinical trial to study the effects of an omega-3-containing supplement called Omega Active on blood levels of DHA and EPA. The study includes adults aged 18 to 65 who are generally healthy and aims to assess how the supplement influences cardiovascular and cognitive health by measuring changes in these important blood fatty acids. Participants will take two capsules of the Omega Active supplement daily for the entire 12-week period. They will complete questionnaires about their cognitive performance, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overall health at the start of the study and at Weeks 4, 8, and 12. Blood samples will be collected at the beginning and end of the trial at local Quest Diagnostics Centers to measure DHA and EPA levels. All participants receive the active supplement with no placebo or randomization involved. During the study, participants will attend scheduled visits for blood testing and complete self-reported questionnaires to track their health changes and experience with the supplement. Researchers will monitor changes in blood DHA and EPA from baseline to Week 12 as the main outcomes. Secondary measures include changes in self-reported cognition, digestive symptoms, and general well-being. The total participation time is 12 weeks, with ongoing monitoring through questionnaires and blood tests.