Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration

Description

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.

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease, Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Decline

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

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.

The BEACoN Study- Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration

Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration

Condition
Alzheimer Disease
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Irvine

University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States, 92697

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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.
  • 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.

Ages Eligible for Study

60 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of California, Irvine,

Michael A Yassa, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of California, Irvine

Liv C McMillan, BS, CCRP, STUDY_DIRECTOR, University of California, Irvine

Study Record Dates

2027-12-22