Amyloid PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Summary

Background: Some people experience cognitive decline as they age. That is, they lose memory, problem-solving, and other mental abilities. Amyloids are groups of proteins that develop in the brain and increase in number as people age. Researchers want to use imaging scans to track amyloids in people s brains over time. Their goal is to find out if any changes are related to cognitive decline or other medical issues. Objective: To learn how amyloids may affect brain structure and function as people age. Eligibility: People aged 55 years and older who are enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Design: Participants will have imaging scans and other tests every 1 to 4 years, depending on their age. Those 80 and older will be scanned yearly. These scans will be done during regular BLSA visits. The scans will be positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET CT). Participants will be given fluid through a tube inserted into a vein in their arm. The fluid is a tracer that will cause the amyloids to light up in the images. Then they will lie on a bed with their head inside a PET CT scanner. They will lie still for about 30 minutes. Participants will have tests to assess their memory and other mental skills. They will answer questions about their mood and daily life. These tests will take about 40 minutes to complete; they may be done in person or by phone. Participants will give a contact number for someone who can answer questions about the participant s daily routine. These questions may be answered in person or by phone. Participants will be in this study for 5 years.

Eligibility

* INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Participants are men and women 55 years and older drawn from the BLSA sample and thus, represent the gender/ethnic characteristics of this study group. Enrollment is defined as the initial imaging session of the planned longitudinal study.
* Inclusion criteria: BLSA participants who do not meet exclusion criteria and have had or agreed to have an MRI under the BLSA study.
* Participants who lack capacity to consent will not be enrolled in the study. If the participant loses capacity to consent over the course of follow-up they will be removed them from the study. Competency to consent is assessed as part of the BLSA visit and we will not include people who are not competent to provide consent.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Preexisting central nervous system diseases
* Weight over 300 lbs.
* Active metastatic cancer (except basal cell cancer)
* Implanted electronic hearing devices
* Breast Cancer with radiation treatment
* Lymphoma
* Pacemaker
* Brain tumor
* Shrapnel
* Schizophrenia
* Bipolar disorder
* Epilepsy
* Language barrier that makes it difficult to understand participant.
* Aneurisms greater than 3mm
* Aneurysm clips
* Parkinson s disease/PD medications
* Huntington s disease
* Severe Endocrinopathy- treated thyroid conditions ok; treated, controlled diabetes ok. (exclude HbA1c over 8 which is poorly controlled diabetes)
* Diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment
* Younger than 55 years of age
* Pregnancy
* Ineligible for MRI
* History of stroke or documented TIAs requiring hospitalization
* Known brain vascular malformations or adenomas
* History of significant radiation exposure
* Those with a Blessed score of 4 or more with the BLSA will be reviewed at a research diagnostic case conference to rule out dementia diagnoses prior to enrollment.

Conditions2

Locations1 site

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