RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Cardiac Amyloid Deposits and Heart Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease

This study aims to understand a possible connection between heart conditions and Alzheimer's disease. Both conditions involve a build-up of a protein called amyloid. Researchers will use special brain scans, already used for Alzheimer's, to also look for this protein in the hearts of participants. Participants will have these brain scans, plus additional heart scans (called PET/MRI) and a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram), along with a check-up for memory problems. The goal is to see if finding amyloid in the heart could help doctors diagnose both heart amyloidosis (amyloid in the heart) and Alzheimer's disease more accurately, potentially leading to earlier and better care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Essen

Enrolment target

Start

15 Aug 2022

Estimated completion

14 Sep 2025

Dementia, Alzheimer Type Mild Cognitive Impairment Cardiac Amyloidosis

What is this study about?

This study is looking into whether there's a common link between two serious conditions: problems with the heart caused by a protein called amyloid, and Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's, a harmful protein called amyloid builds up in the brain. This study wants to see if the same or similar protein also builds up in the heart of people who are being checked for Alzheimer's disease.

To do this, the researchers will use special scanning methods. If you're invited to take part, and you're already having a brain scan for Alzheimer's, they will also use this scanning method to look at your heart. You'll also have a more detailed heart scan called a PET/MRI scan, and a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram). They will also check your memory and thinking skills to see how they relate to the scan results.

The idea is that if they can see these amyloid protein deposits in the heart, it might help doctors diagnose both heart problems caused by amyloid and Alzheimer's disease more effectively. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially better treatment options in the future for both conditions.

Key takeaways

This study explores a link between heart problems and Alzheimer's disease.
It uses special scans to find amyloid protein in both the brain and heart.
Participation includes brain and heart scans, plus a memory check-up.
The goal is to improve diagnosis for both conditions.
You must already be scheduled for an Alzheimer's brain scan to be eligible.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants must be adults aged 18 or over. You need to be already scheduled to have a special brain scan for Alzheimer's disease to check for amyloid protein. Also, you must not have any health reasons that would prevent you from having an MRI scan or the amyloid brain scan.

However, some people won't be able to take part. This includes if you have memory problems caused by things other than Alzheimer's, such as certain strokes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or heavy alcohol use. You also can't join if you have serious existing heart conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you already having a special brain scan for Alzheimer's disease?
Can you have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal implants that are not MRI safe)?
Are you free from serious existing heart conditions?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will first have the special brain scan (called a PET scan) that you were already scheduled for to check for amyloid protein related to Alzheimer's disease. Alongside this, the researchers will also use similar technology to look at your heart.

You will also have two additional tests for your heart: an MRI scan (which uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures) and an echocardiogram (a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to create images of your heart). Lastly, you will have a clinical examination to check your memory and thinking. All these tests will happen during a single visit or a small number of visits, and the total duration of your involvement in the study is expected to be short, mainly focused around these assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help scientists better understand the link between heart conditions and Alzheimer's, potentially leading to improved diagnosis for both in the future. As with any medical procedure, there are some small risks, mainly from the scans. The scans involve low levels of radiation (similar to what you'd experience naturally or from other medical tests) and an MRI scan is generally safe but might involve being in an enclosed space for a while. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Essen
Verified postcode
Essen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is amyloid?

Amyloid is a type of protein that can build up in different parts of the body, including the brain in Alzheimer's disease and sometimes in the heart.

What is a PET scan?

A PET scan is a special type of imaging test that allows doctors to see how organs and tissues are working. For this study, it helps detect amyloid protein.

Will I get results from my scans?

The study aims to understand a group of people, and individual results may not be shared directly as they are for research purposes, but your usual doctor will receive details relevant to your care.

Is this study offering a new treatment?

No, this study is focused on improving diagnosis and understanding the diseases better. It is not testing a new medication or treatment.

How long will my visit(s) take?

The study aims to combine the research scans with your existing appointments for brain PET scans, and the additional heart tests will be scheduled efficiently around these.

How to find out more

David Kersting, MD PhD

david.kersting@uk-essen.de +49-201-723-2073 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.