Actively Recruiting
Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project Observational Study of Vascular Health and Brain Aging in Adults Over 50
Led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Updated on 2025-08-06
1000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
V
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how vascular health relates to early signs of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease in aging adults. This observational study aims to understand the connections between vascular health and changes seen in brain imaging, cognitive tests, and biological markers before significant memory or thinking problems begin. The study also explores how factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, and genetics, including the APOE gene, may influence brain aging. Participants include adults aged 50 and older, both cognitively healthy and those with mild cognitive impairment but no dementia. The study follows them over time, using detailed brain MRI scans, blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid collection via lumbar puncture, and neuropsychological assessments. These procedures help monitor brain structure, blood flow, and biological markers related to Alzheimer's and vascular health. Participants undergo a thorough initial screening visit lasting about four hours to assess cognitive status. Regular follow-ups include imaging, biological sample collection, and cognitive testing over several years. Researchers measure changes in brain areas, blood flow, heart function, and genetic markers to better understand how vascular health impacts brain aging. The study is sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and involves continuous monitoring to capture early disease changes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- Cognitively unimpaired adults or those with mild cognitive impairment but no dementia
- English is the primary language of the participant
- Must have a reliable study partner available
You will not qualify if you...
- No available reliable study partner
- History of major psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- History of neurological illnesses including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or dementia
- History of head injury with significant loss of consciousness
- Diagnosis of congestive heart failure
- Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or other heart arrhythmia
- Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Current diagnosis of cancer
- History of serious alcohol or drug abuse
- Inability to undergo MRI due to bioimplants, ferromagnetic implants, cerebral aneurysm clips, embedded shrapnel, pregnancy, or excessive metal dental work
- Subjects with pacemakers, cochlear implants, neurostimulators, or electronic infusion pumps are excluded
- Subjects who are pregnant
- Subjects with metal fragments in or near the eyes, such as metal workers or machinists, are excluded due to MRI safety concerns
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.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Baseline assessment with follow-up assessments over 5 years
Participants complete comprehensive assessments including neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and lumbar puncture to characterize brain health and vascular function.
Initial baseline visit and annual follow-up visits
Duration - Up to 5 years
Participants are observed over time to track changes in brain structure, cognitive function, and vascular health.
Annual visits for up to 5 years
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37232
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mallory Rockwell
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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