None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This research project will investigate new markers of altered brain structure in various forms of neurodegenerative diseases using 3 Tesla (3T) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as well as more highly sensitive 7 Tesla MRI. Each of the neurodegenerative diseases has a characteristic profile (pathology) when the brain is examined under a microscope. Obviously, it is not an option though to remove the brain of a living person for a microscopic examination so we are trying to use MRI brain scans to capture information that could act as indicators for the types of brain pathology that cause these diseases. This is why this project aims to study a range of different degenerative diseases: we predict that the different diseases will be associated with different patterns of change detected with the MRI scans. Standard MRI scans such as those used presently in medical practice cannot make precise diagnoses of specific degenerative brain diseases. In fact, one of the main uses of standard clinical MRI is to rule out non-degenerative diseases such as strokes or tumours. Among the different degenerative diseases themselves, however, standard MRI only provides limited information. In this study, we will utilise a more powerful scanning technology, such as 7T MRI, to provide ultra-high resolution images. This means that we may be able to detect very small tissue changes in the brains that may have not been revealed previously. On the day of MRI scan, participants will be asked to perform some pen and paper tests of their mental abilities (such as memory, thinking, and language) in order to related the scan to their illness stage. MRI scan will take place once these neuropsychological tests are completed. We aim, with this research, to develop new types of MRI scans that may give more information about the precise diagnosis of degenerative brain diseases. As well as improving diagnostic accuracy, we also hope this project may identify new information about how these diseases affect the brain.
Interventions
Two Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans: 3 Tesla (T) and 7T scans by a qualified radiographer at the Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland.
-Approximately 30-45 minutes of acquisition time each scan.
-3T and 7T scans can be done on a separate visit if required.
Cognitive assessments, such as ACE III, MMSE, RAVLT, and/or SYDBAT will be conducted prior to MRI scans.
Sponsors
University of Queensland
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
o Visual and auditory acuity, adequate for neuropsychological testing o English language proficiency, adequate for comprehensive neuropsychological testing o Willing to undergo repeated MRIs (3T and 7T MRIs) o Healthy control: without any history of neurological or major psychiatric illness; and who are free of any cognitive symptoms (e.g. Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score greater than or equal to 26/30, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) score greater than or equal to 88/100, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) equal to 0 ) ; and whose general health is good enough to lie comfortably in an MRI scanner (e.g. does not have severe arthritis or breathlessness etc.) o Patients group will be divided into 7 different subgroups based on their clinical diagnosis.* o Patient Group 1: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including prodromal states such as mild cognitive impairment o Patient Group 2: Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients o Patient Group 3: Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) o Patient Group 4: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) o Patient Group 5: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) o Patient Group 6: Corticobasal degeneration (CBD), including patients with undifferentiated akinetic/rigid syndromes, i.e. where the assessing neurologist is confident of a degenerative disease but where the clinical features preclude a more precise diagnosis such as PD, PSP, CBD o Patient Group 7: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) o * Diagnosis will be based on patient and carer interview & questionnaire, physical examination, brain scans, cognitive tests (MMSE, ACE, CDR) and/or motor function tests (ALS functional rating scale revised (ALSFRS-R), Unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS), Hoen and Yahr).
Exclusion criteria
o Pregnancy# o Known history of claustrophobia# o Contra-indication to MRI#: cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, metal implants, hearing aid/implant, electrical neurostimulators, joint replacement etc. in accordance with the standard operating procedures of the Centre for Advanced Imaging, UQ. #NOTE: Participants will be re-interviewed by a radiographer on the day of imaging at the Centre for Advanced Imaging, UQ. o History of other neurological diseases (including clinical stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumour, epilepsy, or any other disease) that could confound interpretation of the MRI scan data o History of major psychiatric illness (psychosis, major depression) o Any medical condition that could make scanning hazardous/uncomfortable (e.g. difficulty lying flat due to cardiac, respiratory or rheumatological disease) o For the patient group only o Unavailability of a close relative/companion who can assist the patient to attend the research facility. o Advanced cognitive impairment rendering the patient untestable on neuropsychological tests or unable to follow the instructions for MRI scanning.
Outcome results
None listed