Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Reducing Risk of Stroke and DementIa In patientS With COVert cERebrovascular Disease

100 participantsStarted 2026-08

Plain-language summary

The purpose of the DISCOVER study is to pilot acceptable approaches to people with covert cerebrovascular disease (CCD) and their follow-up. This is the first step in designing efficient randomised trials of treatments to reduce the risk of stroke or dementia in people with CCD.

Who can participate

Age range

65 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: * People who, at the time the letter is prepared or are identified by a clinician * Age ≥ 65 years * Have no known history of: * Stroke or TIA * Dementia * Parkinson's disease * Multiple sclerosis * Metastatic cancer (or non-meningioma brain tumour). * A CT or MRI scan report ≤5 years before study start date with of one or more of: * Cerebral small vessel disease * Deep old ischaemic stroke * Cortical old ischaemic stroke Exclusion Criteria: * Text of brain scan report unreadable * Do not consent to take part in study procedures * Unable to consent * Unable to communicate by email, letter or telephone through language, speech disability or lack of address * Unlikely to survive one year past enrolment in judgement of the study investigator

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

Functional scores

Timeframe: At 3, 6 and 12 months following enrolment

Cognitive scores

Timeframe: At 3, 6 and 12 months following enrolment

Speech samples

Timeframe: At 3, 6 and 12 months following enrolment

Vascular events

Timeframe: At 3, 6 and 12 months following enrolment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06878430

SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-12

Contact for this trial

William Whiteley

+44(131) 4659602 william.whiteley@ed.ac.uk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Covert Cerebrovascular Disease trials

Who can participate

Age range

65 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.