MedPath

Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration

Phase 3
Recruiting
Conditions
Alzheimer Disease
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive Decline
Interventions
Radiation: Amyloid PET scan
Drug: Tau PET scan using MK-6240
Behavioral: Neurocognitive testing
Other: MRI
Registration Number
NCT03860857
Lead Sponsor
University of California, Irvine
Brief Summary

The purpose of this research study is to understand the factors that underlie changes in thinking and memory with increasing age. The investigators will test the usefulness of MRI, PET, and cognitive testing in detecting subtle changes in the brain that precede cognitive decline. An addendum to this study includes additional PET scans to examine the relationship between tau protein in the brain and cognitive decline. Tau is a protein that is known to form tangles in the areas of the brain important for memory, and these tau tangles are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This sub-study research aims to look at the tau accumulation in the brain using an investigational drug called MK-6240, which is a radio tracer that gets injected prior to a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Detailed Description

This study investigates the relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, brain structure and function, as well as cognition in non-demented older adults. The goal is to develop a more complete understanding of the factors that lead to cognitive decline in the elderly and progression to AD. The investigators will enroll 200 cognitively intact adults between the ages of 60-85 years old from the UCI Alzheimer's Disease Research Center or directly from the local community. Study procedures will include: 1) PET amyloid scans with Amyvid™ radiotracer (florbetapir-F18) and PET tau scans with \[18F\]MK6240 radiotracer; 2) High-resolution structural, functional, and diffusion MRI; and 3) Cognitive examinations. The investigators will track cognitive outcomes through longitudinal monitoring. Amyloid imaging will only be conducted once in the study at baseline, and MRI and tau PET imaging will be at baseline and Year 1. The investigators aim to identify the best combination of tests for predicting longitudinal cognitive/clinical decline. The proposed study will significantly inform the understanding of cognitive decline in the aging brain and allow investigators to better define preclinical AD and make recommendations for future intervention trials.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
300
Inclusion Criteria
  1. Aged 60 or older;
  2. Speaks fluent English or Spanish;
  3. Visual and auditory acuity adequate for neuropsychological and computerized testing;
  4. Good general health with no disease(s) expected to interfere with the study;
  5. Willing and able to participate for the duration of the study and in all study procedures including MRI and PET;
  6. Normal cognition defined as a Clinical Dementia Rating of 0 and a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 25 or higher. FAST Stage 1 or 2.
  7. Subjective memory or other cognitive complaints will be included.
Exclusion Criteria
  1. Significant co-morbid neurologic disease such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain cyst, tumor or aneurysm;
  2. Major health conditions, except for Type II diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension, which are NOT exclusionary for this study given their high prevalence in our target populations;
  3. Significant psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, except for depression and anxiety, which are NOT exclusionary for this study given their high prevalence in our target populations;
  4. Existing diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment;
  5. Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years (DSM-IV criteria);
  6. MRI contraindications, e.g. pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin or body. Females who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant are also excluded;
  7. PET contraindications, e.g. significant prior radiation exposure and pregnancy.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Age 60-65 ApoE e4+Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 60-65 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4-Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4+Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4-Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 60-65 ApoE e4+MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 60-65 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4+Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4+MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 60-65 ApoE e4+Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 60-65 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4-Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4-Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4-Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4-MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4+Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4-Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4-MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4-Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4+Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 60-65 ApoE e4+Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 60-65 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4-Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4-MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 66-70 ApoE e4+Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 66-70 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4+Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4+MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 71-75 ApoE e4+Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 71-75 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4-Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4-Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4+Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4+Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4+MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 76-80 ApoE e4+Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 76-80 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4-Tau PET scan using MK-6240Participants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4+Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4+Neurocognitive testingParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4-Amyloid PET scanParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4-MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are not ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Age 81+ ApoE e4+MRIParticipants in this cohort are between the ages of 81-85 and are ApoE e4 carriers. All participants in this cohort will complete the Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan using MK-6240, MRI scans, and neurocognitive testing.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Clinical Dementia Rating - Sum of Box ScoreYears 4 and 5 of the grant

A measure of cognitive/clinical decline

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in lure discrimination index - spatialYears 4 and 5 of the grant

Key measure of performance on the spatial pattern separation task

Change in perforant path integrityYears 4 and 5 of the grant

Key measure of structural connectivity decline on MRI scans

Change in lure discrimination index - temporalYears 4 and 5 of the grant

Key measure of performance on the temporal pattern separation task

Change in entorhinal cortical thicknessYears 4 and 5 of the grant

Key measure of structural decline on MRI scans

Change in tau spatial distribution - advancing Braak stageYears 4 and 5 of the grant

Key measure of tau spatial spread on tau PET scans

Change in lure discrimination index - objectsYears 4 and 5 of the grant

Key measure of performance on the object pattern separation task

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of California, Irvine

🇺🇸

Irvine, California, United States

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