Mild Cognitive Impairment, Aging
Conditions
Keywords
Tau, MK-6240, Cognition
Brief summary
The investigators aim to use the new PET radioligand, 18F-MK-6240, to detect tau pathology in cognitive healthy and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elders. The investigators will then examine the interactions between differential tau burden and performance on cognitive tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neural activation patterns, and other cognitive and behavioral measures. By investigating these relationships, the investigators hope to understand the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of tau deposition found in specific brain regions in cognitively normal/mildly cognitively impaired adults. Furthermore, the study aims to examine how the presence of tau may contribute to the risk of subsequent cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and dementia.
Detailed description
Many cognitively healthy older adults have, upon post mortem evaluations, been found to have varying amounts of neurofibrillary tangles (tau) and beta-amyloid plaque deposits, which are the hallmark brain pathologies known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease and various other dementias. While some with these pathologies may not clinically express cognitive decline or dementia in their lifetime, human post-mortem studies suggest that increasing neurofibrillary tangle density correlates with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Imaging tauopathy in-vivo provides an opportunity to examine neurocognitive correlates of differential levels of tauopathy in the brain, allowing to further qualify pre-clinical states of cognitive impairment. The investigators aim to investigate possible protective mechanisms, such as cognitive reserve, that may modulate the relationship between tauopathy and cognitive decline.
Interventions
DRUG18F-MK-6240
Results of the 18F-MK-6240 PET scan will be correlated with other observations.
Sponsors
Yaakov Stern
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
55 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 55-90 * Previously received an amyloid PET scan * Residing near Columbia University Medical Center * Must be willing and able to participate
Exclusion criteria
* Have a contraindication to PET (e.g, metallic implants, pacemaker, claustrophobia, or cannot lie flat for one hour) * Pregnancy * Lactating Women * Current, past, or anticipated exposure to radiation * Significant active physical illness
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Functional imaging (fMRI) | Up to 5 years | Relation of Tau PET to imaging acquired during task performance |
| Total number of individuals with tau present | Up to 5 years | Based on the scans, the total number of subjects with identifiable tau in their scans will be measured. |
| Cognition | Up to 5 years | Relation of Tau PET to measures of cognition such as memory and reasoning |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTReshma Babukutty
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORYaakov Stern, PhD
Columbia University
Outcome results
None listed