Imaging the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to better understand cerebral small vessel disease CSVD, a condition that can lead to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia VCID. CSVD is marked by white matter changes seen on MRI scans, which are closely linked to cognitive decline. The study focuses on people at risk for progression of these white matter changes, particularly those with a history of stroke and vascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes. Participants will undergo serial MRI scans using advanced imaging methods to study different aspects of brain changes. The study will track blood-brain barrier disruption, micro-structural damage, and larger brain changes using a variety of MRI techniques including DCE, DSC, ASL, multi-shell DTI, FLAIR, SWI, and T1 imaging. A total of 50 patients will have three MRI scans over approximately 1.25 years to observe progression of the disease. During the study, participants will be closely monitored through these MRI assessments to evaluate the progression of cerebral small vessel disease over one year. The main outcome measured is the progression of the disease as observed through imaging. This observational study does not involve treatment but focuses on detailed imaging to gain insights into disease development and progression, helping to inform future approaches to VCID.

Imaging the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease