Study of Mild Traumatic Brain Injurys Role in Brain Degeneration and Dementia Risk in Veterans

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether Veterans who have experienced mild Traumatic Brain Injuries mTBI are at increased risk for developing dementia. The study aims to understand the connections between mTBI, brain changes, and dementia by examining memory, brain wave activity, brain structure, and proteins linked to brain injury and dementia. Participants include those with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries, mild cognitive impairment MCI, and healthy controls to explore how brain injuries might contribute to dementia over time. Participants will take part in three separate study sessions. The first involves neuropsychological testing and, if certain criteria are met, a computer memory task. In the second session, brain wave activity will be measured using EEG while participants perform a memory test involving word lists. The final session includes an MRI scan, a blood draw, and a lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid. No active treatments are given this is an observational study evaluating these assessments. Throughout the study, researchers will track cognitive tests, EEG signals, brain volume changes on MRI, and protein markers in cerebrospinal fluid over five years. These measures aim to detect early signs of neurodegeneration related to Alzheimers disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. The study also monitors participants ability to complete testing and ensures safety during procedures, with participation lasting up to five years.

Contributions of mTBI to Neurodegeneration Due to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD)