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Amyloid PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Amyloid PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
55 Years to 110 Years
Sex
All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

  • Time periods mentioned: 5 years
  • Procedures mentioned: CT scans, PET scans

Only what the study's summary and detailed description on ClinicalTrials.gov say. Time periods may describe the whole study or a part of it — ask the study team what applies to you.

Show the study's own words
  • "The scans will be positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET CT)."
  • "Participants will be in this study for 5 years."
  • "In conjunction with each BLSA visit, we will perform a single PET scan of (18F) florbetaben (trade name Neuraceq TM) to measure in vivo amyloid distribution in individuals aged 55 years and older."
Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study uses brain scans to track amyloid, groups of proteins in the brain, over time. Researchers want to learn how amyloid relates to memory, thinking, and brain changes with age. The study is for people age 55 or older in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and lasts 5 years.

Background: Some people experience cognitive decline as they age. That is, they lose memory, problem-solving, and other mental abilities. Amyloids are groups of proteins that develop in the brain and increase in number as people age. Researchers want to use imaging scans to track amyloids in people s brains over time. Their goal is to find out if any changes are related to cognitive decline or other medical issues. Objective: To learn how amyloids may affect brain structure and function as people age. Eligibility: People aged 55 years and older who are enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Design: Participants will have imaging scans and other tests every 1 to 4 years, depending on their age. Those 80 and older will be scanned yearly. These scans will be done during regular BLSA visits. The scans will be positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET CT). Participants will be given fluid through a tube inserted into a vein in their arm. The fluid is a tracer that will cause the amyloids to light up in the images. Then they will lie on a bed with their head inside a PET CT scanner. They will lie still for about 30 minutes. Participants will have tests to assess their memory and other mental skills. They will answer questions about their mood and daily life. These tests will take about 40 minutes to complete; they may be done in person or by phone. Participants will give a contact number for someone who can answer questions about the participant s daily routine. These questions may be answered in person or by phone. Participants will be in this study for 5 years.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • You are age 55 or older and enrolled in the BLSA.
  • You have had an MRI scan through the BLSA or agree to have one.
  • You can understand the study and give consent. If you lose this ability during the study, you must leave it.

Who can't join

  • Brain or spinal cord disease, including a brain tumor, epilepsy (seizures), Parkinson’s disease or use of its medicines, or Huntington’s disease.
  • Dementia or mild cognitive impairment (problems with memory or thinking). A BLSA Blessed test score of 4 or higher needs further review before joining.
  • Past stroke; a TIA (brief stroke-like event) that required a hospital stay; abnormal brain blood vessels; an adenoma (a type of tumor); or an aneurysm (a bulging blood vessel) larger than 3 mm.
  • Cancer that has spread and is active, except basal cell cancer; breast cancer treated with radiation; lymphoma (cancer of the immune system); or major past radiation exposure.
  • A pacemaker, implanted electronic hearing device, aneurysm clips, metal fragments from shrapnel, or another reason you cannot have an MRI.
  • A severe hormone disorder. Treated thyroid conditions and controlled, treated diabetes are allowed, but an HbA1c blood sugar score over 8 is not.
  • Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or a language barrier that makes it hard for the study team to understand you.
  • Pregnancy or weight over 300 pounds.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

* INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Participants are men and women 55 years and older drawn from the BLSA sample and thus, represent the gender/ethnic characteristics of this study group. Enrollment is defined as the initial imaging session of the planned longitudinal study. * Inclusion criteria: BLSA participants who do not meet exclusion criteria and have had or agreed to have an MRI under the BLSA study. * Participants who lack capacity to consent will not be enrolled in the study. If the participant loses capacity to consent over the course of follow-up they will be removed them from the study. Competency to consent is assessed as part of the BLSA visit and we will not include people who are not competent to provide consent. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Preexisting central nervous system diseases * Weight over 300 lbs. * Active metastatic cancer (except basal cell cancer) * Implanted electronic hearing devices * Breast Cancer with radiation treatment * Lymphoma * Pacemaker * Brain tumor * Shrapnel * Schizophrenia * Bipolar disorder * Epilepsy * Language barrier that makes it difficult to understand participant. * Aneurisms greater than 3mm * Aneurysm clips * Parkinson s disease/PD medications * Huntington s disease * Severe Endocrinopathy- treated thyroid conditions ok; treated, controlled diabetes ok. (exclude HbA1c over 8 which is poorly controlled diabetes) * Diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment * Younger than 55 years of age * Pregnancy * Ineligible for MRI * History of stroke or documented TIAs requiring hospitalization * Known brain vascular malformations or adenomas * History of significant radiation exposure * Those with a Blessed score of 4 or more with the BLSA will be reviewed at a research diagnostic case conference to rule out dementia diagnoses prior to enrollment.

Study sites (1)

MD