Tau Brain Imaging in Typical and Atypical Alzheimer's Disease (AD) (NCT03022968) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2
Tau Brain Imaging in Typical and Atypical Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
France17 participantsStarted 2017-01-10
Plain-language summary
Recently revised Alzheimer Disease (AD) diagnostic1described nonamnestic presentations: 1/ language presentation (logopenic progressive aphasia) 2/ visuospatial presentation (posterior cortical atrophy or PCA) and 3/ executive dysfunction. AD pathological changes may precede the clinical diagnosis of dementia of AD type for a while2. Biomarkers have been developed: biomarkers of brain amyloid-beta (Aß) (CerebroSpinal Fluid CSF concentration ßamyloid, molecular imaging with amyloid targeted PET ligands), biomarkers of neural degeneration (MRI hippocampal volume, regional metabolism as assessed by PET with \[18F\]-FDG) and may be used to made early detection of the neuropathology associated with AD Even if CSF biomarkers (tau, p-tau and β amyloïd are interesting to improve diagnosis of AD, they cannot provide topographic information. PET tau imaging seems to be promise to evaluate quantitative and spatial assessment of tau lesions both in AD and fronto-temporal lobar dementia.
The hypothesis of the research is that it exists a different regional pattern of tracer retention across brain regions according to clinical symptoms : temporal for logopenic aphasia and occipital for posterior cortical atrophy.
Who can participate
Age range
50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 50 years old and more
* native langage: french
* study level upper (or equal) than 7 year (considering first year of grammar-school as start)
* correct sensory abilities (auditive device allowed) for tests
* affiliation to social security
* Informed, written consent form
* for Alzheimer disease group: people with Alzheimer Disease defined as National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke (NINCDS) and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (ADRDA) standards: Light to mild AD defined by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 15 and 25 (included)
* for Benson disease group: Benson disease following Mendez et al (2002) and Tang Wai et al (2004) criteria
* for healthy volunteer group: normal MMS score (more than 26 for bachelor level)
Exclusion Criteria:
* history of disease with consequances on cognitive functioning (tumor, stroke, head trauma, etc.), cerebral surgery
* use of alchohol and/or drug
* anormalies in neurological exam (focal deficit) not included in the classic symptoms
* contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (RMI)
* contraindication to PET: people with prolongation of QT interval or taking medication that can lead to "torsades de pointe".
* claustrophobia
* person with legal protection
* exclusion period because of participation to another experimental protocol and actual participation to an experimental protocol
* pregnant or lactating woman or able to procreate and without …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.