A Longitudinal Examination of Aging With a Spinal Cord Injury: Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular an… (NCT03023163) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Longitudinal Examination of Aging With a Spinal Cord Injury: Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular and Cognitive Consequences
United States92 participantsStarted 2016-12
Plain-language summary
The general population is aging, today 12% of the United States population is older than 65 and it is estimated that by 2020 the number of people in the United States older than 65 will outnumber children younger than 5. As the general population ages, the spinal cord injury (SCI) population is also aging and it is estimated that 14% is older than 60. Although persons with SCI are living longer, life expectancy remains below that of the general population with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases accounting for more than 25% of all deaths since 1995. Similar to findings in the general population, BP dysregulation may impact cognitive function, and investigators reported poorer performance on tasks of memory and attention processing in hypotensive individuals with SCI compared to a normotensive SCI cohort. Thus, it is imperative that investigators work to minimize the impact of cognitive deficits on these aspects of life quality in persons with SCI as they age. Therefore the goals of this study are: Study 1) to compare cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and cognitive function and fMRI between older individuals with SCI (50-75 years) and older age-matched controls and Study 2) to determine 3-5 year longitudinal changes in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and cognitive function and fMRI in relatively young individuals with SCI (28-54 years) compared to relatively young age-matched controls.
Who can participate
Age range
28 Years – 75 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:
* Study 1) Between the ages of 50-75 years old
* Study 2) Between the ages of 28-54 years old
* Completed Impact of Age on Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular and Cognitive Health study
* For Both:
* Primary language is English
* Additional Inclusion Criteria: SCI Subjects
* Level of injury between C1-T12;
* Non-ambulatory (wheelchair dependent);
* AIS grade A, B, or C;
* Injury occurred more than 1 year ago.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Acute illness or infection;
* Controlled or uncontrolled hypertension or Diabetes mellitus;
* Documented history of traumatic brain injury;
* Stroke
* Epilepsy or seizure disorders;
* Multiple sclerosis \& Parkinson's disease;
* Psychiatric disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder);
* Alzheimer's disease \& dementia
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.
What they're measuring
1
Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)
Timeframe: Up to 3 years
Trial details
NCT IDNCT03023163
SponsorJames J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center